Sish Kebab (Turkey)
This has been one of the most delicious dishes I’ve made on this journey. The kebabs were incredibly simple yet unbelievably juicy—I was genuinely surprised by how easy they were to make. Originating in the Middle East and Central Asia, Turkish kebabs have become a beloved staple around the world. This recipe, inspired by the traditional Turkish “shish kebab,” features marinated meat, skewered and grilled to perfection, often accompanied by warm flatbread, fresh salad, and a drizzle of garlicky yogurt sauce. A huge thank you to Ozlem Warren for the recipe! The full version is available on her website, but I’ve shared the kebab recipe below. You’ll want to save this one, trust me! And definitely don’t skip the peppers—they’re essential!
Ingredients
- 500 gr lamb mince
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed and finely chopped
- 60ml/4 tbsp pistachios shelled
- 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 5ml/1 tsp red pepper or paprika flakes; kirmizi biber
- 5ml/ 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- A bowl of water with a drizzle of olive oil to help shape the kebabs
Step 1
First, set aside a bowl of water with a drizzle of olive oil to help knead and shape the kebabs onto the skewers.
Step 2
Pulse the shelled pistachios in a food processor until they have a grainy texture.
Step 3
In a large bowl, mix the ground lamb with the pistachios, chopped onions, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt, ground pepper, and red pepper flakes. Wet your hands in the water and olive oil mixture, then knead the mixture into a smooth paste.
Step 4
Cover the mixture and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5
Preheat the grill to its highest setting and begin shaping the kebabs. With the water and olive oil mixture nearby, take a handful of the meat mixture and press it around a skewer, forming it into the shape of a flat sausage.
Step 6
Grill the kebabs for about 4 minutes or until they are golden and cooked on one side.
Step 7
Place sliced flatbread on a tray under the kebabs to catch the juices.
Step 8
Turn the kebabs and grill for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden on the other side. The flatbread will absorb all the delicious kebab juices while they cook.