Turkish Adana Kebab

Spiced ground lamb grilled on flat skewers — Turkey''s most famous kebab.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb
• 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Aleppo pepper (or 1 tsp paprika + 1/2 tsp cayenne)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp sumac
• Salt, pepper
• Flatbread, grilled vegetables, yogurt, sumac onions

Method

1. Mix lamb with onion, garlic, spices, salt. Knead 2 min until sticky (develops myosin for binding).

2. Mold onto flat metal skewers in long, thin shapes.

3. Grill over high heat 3-4 min per side.

4. Serve on flatbread with grilled peppers, tomatoes, yogurt, and sumac-dressed onions.

What You're Practicing

• Kneading the meat develops myosin — the same protein that gives sausage its snap. This is what holds the kebab on the skewer.
• Aleppo pepper is milder and fruitier than cayenne — it''s worth seeking out.