🇹🇷 Turkey · Food
Alinazik Kebab (Smoked Eggplant Puree with Ground Meat)
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
Alinazik Kebab is a magnificent dish from Gaziantep, featuring a creamy, smoky roasted eggplant puree as its base, topped with tender, spiced ground beef. It's a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a rich and deeply satisfying experience.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
To begin, prick 3 large eggplants several times with a fork. Char them directly over an open flame or on a hot grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is completely blackened and the flesh is very soft. Once charred, immediately place them in a sealed plastic bag for 10 minutes to allow them to steam, which makes peeling easier.
- 2
Carefully peel the steamed eggplants, discarding the skin. Finely chop the smoky eggplant flesh with a knife on a cutting board until it forms a rustic puree. In a bowl, combine this puree with 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- 3
Now, prepare the ground meat. In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped large onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent but not browned.
- 4
Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Add 500g of ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is thoroughly browned and any liquid released has evaporated. Don't rush this step; proper browning adds depth of flavor.
- 5
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to become fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup of hot water, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- 6
For the finishing touch, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small separate pan over low heat. Once melted, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint. Swirl the pan for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant and infuse the butter. Be careful not to burn the spices, as this can make them bitter.
- 7
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy, smoky eggplant puree onto individual serving plates. Top each with a mound of the warm, spiced ground meat mixture. Finally, drizzle the fragrant melted butter and mint mixture over the meat just before serving. Enjoy this luxurious dish immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to smoke or roast the eggplant for Alinazik Kebab to achieve its characteristic smoky flavor?+
Grill the eggplants directly over an open flame or char them on a gas burner until the skin is fully blackened and the flesh is very soft. Alternatively, roast them in a hot oven and then briefly char under a broiler for a similar effect.
What type of ground beef is recommended for Alinazik Kebab, and how should it be cooked to ensure it's tender and flavorful?+
Opt for ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal flavor and moisture. Brown it quickly over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, until it's fully cooked and any liquid has evaporated, avoiding overcooking.
What type of yogurt should I use for the eggplant puree in Alinazik Kebab, and how can I ensure it remains creamy and doesn't curdle?+
Use a thick, plain, full-fat yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, for the best creamy texture. To prevent curdling, ensure the yogurt is at room temperature and the mashed eggplant is slightly cooled before gently folding them together.
How can I properly balance the spices and seasonings, particularly the garlic, mint, and red pepper flakes, in Alinazik Kebab?+
Avoid overpowering the dish with too much raw garlic; use it judiciously in the eggplant puree. Balance the freshness of mint with the warmth of black pepper in the puree, and adjust red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or as a garnish according to your heat preference.
Mundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Alinazik Kebab (Smoked Eggplant Puree with Ground Meat)'s core ingredients.
See all 5 matches ↓
