Toothpick Kebab

If you’re looking for a traditional Turkish dish that looks as good as it tastes, Toothpick Kebab (Kürdan Kebabı) is a must-try! This elegant recipe features juicy meatballs wrapped in slices of fried eggplant, all held together with toothpicks like little parcels of flavor. Once baked in a rich tomato sauce, they become irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!

Ingredients

For the Toothpick Kebab:

3 eggplants

2 green peppers

3 cherry tomatoes

For frying the Toothpick Kebab:

1/2 liter oil

For the Toothpick Kebab Meatballs:

500 grams ground meat

1 grated onion

1 egg

1 coffee cup breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cumin

For the Toothpick Kebab Sauce:

300 milliliters hot water

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Peel the eggplants in strips and slice them lengthwise.

Fry the front and back in hot oil.

Mix and knead all the ingredients for the meatballs.

Fry the meatballs in the same oil.

Arrange the eggplant slices to form a plus sign. Place a meatball in the center.

Stack the slices on top of each other and secure with toothpicks. Top with tomatoes and peppers.

Place in a baking dish. Add the tomato paste-water mixture and place in the oven.

Ready!

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