Welcome to a culinary adventure inspired by the royal flavors of the Ottoman Empire! Sultan Kebab is a delectable dish that brings together tender minced meat, sautéed vegetables, and a smooth, creamy béchamel sauce, all wrapped in delicate homemade crepes. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this step-by-step recipe will guide you in creating a rich and flavorful meal fit for a sultan. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 400 g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (about 15 ml)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (50 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (8 g)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Crepes (makes 8 crepes):
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (4 g)
- 2.5 cups milk (500 ml)
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter (50 g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (about 500 ml)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Vegetables and Meat:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Stir in the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced carrot, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Season with salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Once the filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crepes
- Mix the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and salt.
- Slowly add the flour, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook the Crepes:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a bit of oil or butter.
- Pour a small amount of batter (about 1/4 cup) into the pan, swirling it to evenly coat the bottom.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until lightly golden. Repeat until all the batter is used and you have 8 crepes.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Make a Roux:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Season the Sauce:
- Season the béchamel with a pinch of salt and a hint of nutmeg, if desired.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Sultan Kebab
- Fill the Crepes:
- Take one crepe and place a generous spoonful of the meat filling in the center. Fold the crepe like a burrito, tucking in the sides and rolling it up tightly.
- Repeat this process with the remaining crepes and filling.
- Layer in a Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the filled crepes seam-side down in the dish. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all the crepes are covered.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake:
- Bake the Sultan Kebab in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a burst of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
Sultan Kebab is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of rich, layered flavors that celebrate the finest ingredients. The combination of tender crepes, savory minced meat, and velvety béchamel sauce creates a truly royal feast that will impress your family and guests. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the dish, and don’t forget to share it with those you love!