Recipe: Authentic Adana Kebab

The fiery, flavorful Adana kebab is a culinary jewel of Turkish cuisine. This guide provides a comprehensive recipe, ensuring you can recreate this delicious dish at home. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to grilling techniques, helping you achieve that perfect, smoky char.

Understanding the Authentic Adana Kebab

Before we dive into the recipe, let's appreciate what makes Adana kebab truly authentic. It's not just about the meat; it's about the meticulous blend of spices, the specific cut of meat, and the traditional cooking method.

Key characteristics of authentic Adana Kebab:

• Meat: Traditionally made with ground lamb, often a blend of lamb shoulder and lamb neck for optimal fat content and flavor. Ground beef can be used as a substitute or addition, but the lamb provides the most authentic taste.
• Spice Blend: The spice blend is crucial. A generous amount of red pepper flakes (pul biber) provides the signature heat, complemented by other spices like cumin, paprika, and sometimes a touch of urfa biber (a smoky, dried red pepper).
• Shape & Consistency: The kebab is formed into long, cylindrical shapes, and the consistency is crucial; it should be firm enough to hold its shape on the skewer but not so dense as to be tough.
• Cooking Method: Traditionally cooked over charcoal, this imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. However, gas grills or even indoor grills can be used.

Adana Kebab Recipe: Ingredients

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

For the Kebab:

• 1 kg ground lamb (blend of shoulder and neck preferred)
• 2 large onions, finely grated
• 2-3 tablespoons red pepper flakes (pul biber), adjust to your spice preference
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for added richness)
• 8-10 metal skewers (flat skewers are ideal)

For Serving:

• Lavash bread or pide (Turkish flatbread)
• Tomatoes, sliced
• Onions, sliced
• Fresh herbs (parsley, mint)
• Optional: Yogurt sauce (cacik)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Preparing the Adana Kebab

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onions, red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Gently mix everything together with your hands. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the kebab tough. If using tomato paste, gently fold it in.
2. Rest the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for several hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become more tender.
3. Shape the Kebabs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and firmly shape it around the skewer, creating a long, cylindrical kebab. Ensure the meat is tightly packed to prevent it from falling apart during grilling. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kebabs are cooked through and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve: Serve the Adana kebabs immediately on lavash bread or pide, topped with sliced tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. A side of cacik (yogurt sauce) complements the spicy kebabs perfectly.

Tips for the Best Adana Kebab

• Don't skimp on the spices: The spice blend is what gives Adana kebab its distinct flavor. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference, but don't be afraid to use a generous amount.
• Use quality ground lamb: The better the quality of the meat, the better the taste of your kebab.
• Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing can make the kebab tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
• Allow the kebabs to rest: Allowing the meat mixture to rest in the refrigerator before grilling allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become more tender.
• Use flat skewers: Flat skewers are ideal for Adana kebabs as they allow for better grilling and prevent the kebabs from rotating during cooking.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Adana Kebab! Remember to share your culinary creations using #AdanaKebab #TurkishFood #Recipe.