Shish Kebab (Şiş Kebabı)

Şiş Kebabı is one of the most famous Turkish dishes that is known worldwide. 'Şiş' literally means 'skewer', and 'Kebap' means meat cut in small pieces to fit the skewer. Şiş Kebabı can be made out of beef, lamb or chicken. Nowadays, seafood kebaps are also made. The best kebabs are the ones that are grilled on a wood type coal. This is the way it is cooked in Turkey. In case you do not have access to a grill, you may use the oven broiler on a wide pan in order to keep the juices out of the oven. During family and friend gatherings, Şiş Kebap is a no-no menu item in Turkey.


1 lb filet mignon or any other kind of meat you may prefer
1 cubanelle or bell pepper
1 small onion
1 firm tomato
2 small cloves of garlic (chopped finely)
½ tbsp thyme
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black ground pepper
½ lemon
½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp of salt


Cut the meat in bite size pieces. Add the garlic, thyme, paprika, ground pepper, salt, olive oil and the juice of the ½ lemon. Allow it to marinate overnight in the refrigerator. If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them for half an hour in water so that they do not get burned. Cut the cubanelle pepper, the onions and the tomato large enough to put through a skewer. Start skewering the meat, the pepper, the onion and the tomato by alternating. You may use an outside grill or you may broil them in the oven. Broil skewered meat and vegetables 5 minutes on each side. This meal goes well wrapped in flat bread (pita or any other kind) and over rice.