With a Kurdish chef and food expert, you’ll learn the craft of grilling methods and take-home techniques that will take your kebabs to a gourmet level. Fikri will also share the culinary history and influences from his region of Southeast Turkey.

Kebabs and grilled meat is an ancient signature dish of Fikri’s homeland. Kebab-type preparation was depicted in Byzantine Greek icons and described in Homer’s Odyssey. “Kebab” is an Arabic word that simply translates as meat cooked on fire, which means there are only two things needed for an authentic kebab experience, quality meat and fire!

We’ll start with preparing and managing an open charcoal grill naturally without lighter fluid. These methods can be replicated by anyone once the technique is understood, but best to learn the process from someone whose specialty is in open-fire grilling.

Chef Fikri will explain what types of meats go into various kebabs, the process of marinating to keep the meat tasty and tender, and demonstrate the unique method of putting handmade kebabs on metal skewers. Participants will get a tutorial on spices and making delicious side dishes of tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, and mint), Antep ezme (spicy Kurdish salsa), and onion salad with sumac and isot.

The grilling will occur outside. 

Menu

• Gourmet Lamb Shish Kebab
• Savory Adana Kebab
• Marinated Chicken Wings
• Tzatziki
• Antep ezme
• Onion salad with sumac and isot

About Chef Fikri: Fikri is a chef and restaurateur from Southeast Turkey. He’s been working professionally in kitchens and restaurants for more than two decades. He is a master chef in doner kebabs, a technique certified by the government of Turkey. After moving to Washington, DC in 2019 he started PeraEats – a gourmet grill operation utilizing live fire. He is uniquely specialized in meat, Kurdish cuisine and flavors of cooking. The most important thing to know about Chef Fikri is that he loves good food and people with big appetites. He believes that excellent food is worth climbing a mountain for. Climb to Hill Center to join this authentic cooking experience!

Instagram: @peraeats

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peraeats

This class requires at least 6 participants. Participants will be notified if the minimum is not met. Registration will close a couple days before the class so the instructor can shop for the appropriate amount of ingredients. 

Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.