Recipe

Tokat Kebabı with Yogurt Sauce

Savory Delight: Tokat Kebabı - A Turkish Culinary Gem

4.6 out of 5

Tokat Kebabı is a traditional Turkish dish that hails from the city of Tokat. This flavorful kebab is made with tender chunks of marinated lamb, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. It is a beloved dish in Turkish cuisine, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices.

Meat Dish› Tokat kebabı

Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Turkish cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, High-protein diet, Low-carb diet, Gluten-free diet, Paleo diet

Allergens

Dairy (yogurt)

Not suitable for

Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Dairy-free diet, Kosher diet, Halal diet

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into chunks 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into chunks
3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup (240g) plain yogurt 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 3g)
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2.
Add the lamb chunks to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4.
Thread the marinated lamb chunks onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5.
Grill the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6.
While the kebabs are grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix well.
7.
Once the kebabs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8.
Serve the Tokat Kebabı hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and accompanied by the yogurt sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Lamb — Choose lean cuts of lamb for a healthier option. Trim any excess fat before marinating.
Yogurt — Opt for Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle some sumac or chili flakes on the kebabs before grilling.
Serve the kebabs with warm pita bread and a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tokat Kebabı hot off the grill, accompanied by the creamy yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled kebabs on a platter, drizzle the yogurt sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with a side of warm pita bread and a fresh salad for a visually appealing presentation.