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Patlıcan kebabı
Patlıcan kebabı: alternating rounds of aubergine and lamb köfte grilled on skewers until smoky and melting
Late summer in southeastern Turkey, from Urfa to Gaziantep, means patlıcan kebabı: thick rounds of unpeeled aubergine threaded between small patties of spiced lamb, so the fat from the meat bastes the aubergine as it chars. Served on lavaş, the aubergine is pressed with a spoon into the bread and the whole thing is eaten with onions and green chillies. Use small, firm aubergines that won't split on the skewer. Common mistake: cutting the aubergine thinner than the meat; it burns before the köfte is cooked. Chef's tip: peel the charred aubergine skin off on the plate, but leave it on while grilling.
- Total time
- 50 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
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What you'll need
Spices & pantry
Fresh ingredients (6)
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Sprinkle the 3 small firm aubergines with a third of ½ tsp salt and leave for 15 minutes, then pat dry.
15 minStep 2: Knead 1 ⅛ lb lamb mince (about 20% fat) with ½ onion, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp pul biber (Aleppo chilli flakes), ½ tsp ground cumin and the rest of 1 tsp salt for 3 minutes. Shape into patties the same diameter as the aubergine and about 2 cm thick.
5 minStep 3: Thread aubergine and köfte alternately onto 4 long flat skewers, pressing them snugly together.
Step 4: Grill over medium-hot charcoal or under a hot grill for 15–20 minutes, turning every 4 minutes, until the aubergine is blackened and collapsing and the köfte reach 160°F in the centre. Grill 4 tomatoes and 4 green chillies alongside.
20 minStep 5: Slide everything onto 4 lavaş flatbreads, press the aubergine flesh into the bread with a fork and serve straight away.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 560 kcal
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbs
- 46 g
- Fat
- 28 g
- Fibre
- 9 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does patlıcan kebabı take?
- About 50 minutes in total: 30 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- What can I use instead of onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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