🇹🇷 Turkish Cuisine · Street Food

Kokoreç

Prep

30 mins

Cook

30 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Hard

Seasoned lamb intestines wound around a skewer and roasted over charcoal, chopped and served in crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 400g red lentils
  • 1 cup yufka pastry
  • a handful of sliced scallions
  • a pinch of ground cumin
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced
  • a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • plain yogurt, for serving
  • 400ml water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the rice pilaf base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the fresh mussels, ripe tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and ground sumac, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat unsalted butter in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the rice pilaf until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the fresh mussels mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 30 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the rice pilaf with the filling, a spoonful of lemon wedges, and a scattering of parsley.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of plain yogurt for extra flavor and texture.

Tips

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.

Prep all your fillings and toppings before you start cooking, since this dish comes together quickly once the heat is on.

Keep the unsalted butter hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.