Adana kebab is a traditional Turkish dish, originating from the Adana region of Turkey, hence the name. It’s a type of kebab made from minced lamb, mixed with various spices, shaped onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. Here’s a recipe to make Adana kebab:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (about 1 lb) minced lamb (preferably with some fat)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the grill)
- Flatbread or pita bread, for serving
- Salad and yogurt sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint leaves (if using), ground cumin, sumac, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Resting the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Shaping the Kebabs: After the resting period, take a handful of the meat mixture and mold it onto metal skewers or wooden skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Press the meat mixture onto the skewers, shaping it into long, sausage-like kebabs.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the Adana kebabs on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
- Resting and Serving: Once cooked, remove the Adana kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the kebabs hot, either on their own or wrapped in flatbread or pita bread, accompanied by salad and yogurt sauce if desired.
Adana kebabs are flavorful and aromatic, with a perfect balance of spices and tender meat. They make for a delicious and satisfying meal, enjoyed by many both in Turkey and around the world.
