If you're looking to bring the rich and vibrant flavors of Turkey to your table, Çökertme Kebab is a perfect dish to try. This traditional Turkish recipe combines tender marinated beef with crispy fried potatoes, all topped with a savory tomato sauce and creamy yogurt. It's a delicious, satisfying meal that's sure to impress your family and friends. In this post, I'll guide you step-by-step on how to create this mouthwatering dish at home.
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Ingredients:
500g beef tenderloin, cut into medium-thick julienne strips
Salt to taste
2 medium onions, processed
1 large clove of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried mint
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon thyme
½ cup olive oil
½ cup milk
3 large potatoes
Oil for frying
Instructions:
Marinating the Meat for Cokertme Kebab
- Begin by cutting the beef tenderloin into medium-thick julienne strips.
- Place the sliced meat into a glass baking dish. Add salt to taste.
- Process the onions in a food processor and mix them with the meat.
- Add the minced garlic, basil, mint, cumin, black pepper, thyme, olive oil, and milk to the meat.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For best results, prepare the marinade around noon and cook the meat in the evening.
Cooking the Meat for Cokertme Kebab
- Transfer the marinated meat to a large and deep pot or pan.
- Cook over medium heat until the meat releases its juices and starts to brown in its own juices.
- Avoid washing the meat before cooking; transfer it directly from the refrigerator to the pot. Let it simmer in its juices.
- Cooking time may vary, but typically it takes around 35 minutes. Adjust the time based on the type of meat and your stove, tasting occasionally to check doneness.
Preparing the Potatoes:
Peel and slice three large potatoes thinly or in your preferred shape.
Soak the potato slices in salted water for 15 minutes to remove the starch.
Dry the potatoes with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Fry the potatoes in hot oil to your desired crispness. For very crispy potatoes, slice them thin; for a softer texture, slice them thicker.
Making the Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat four tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add two finely chopped medium-sized tomatoes and cook until they form a sauce.
- You can add spices according to your taste. However, since I used spices in the marinade, I chose not to add any to the tomato sauce.
Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix three tablespoons of strained yogurt with three tablespoons of regular yogurt.
- If desired, add crushed garlic.
- If you prefer a more liquid yogurt sauce, increase the amount of regular yogurt.
Assembling the Dish:
- Place the fried potatoes at the bottom of a serving dish.
- Add the yogurt sauce on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the yogurt.
- Finally, place the cooked meat on top.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavors, as the dish contains yogurt and is best eaten fresh.
Conclusion
Çökertme Kebab is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Turkish cuisine right to your home. With its tender marinated meat, crispy potatoes, and flavorful sauces, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try, and share it with your loved ones!
If you're interested in exploring more delicious Turkish recipes, be sure to check out my other posts like How to Make Easy Eggplant Rolls with Meatballs and Turkish Sarma Recipe. Happy cooking!
