Tavas with Lamb Meat Recipe from Cyprus

Tavas with lamb meat

Tavas with Lamb Meat Recipe from Cyprus
Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tavas with lamb meat
Tavas with lamb meat

Tavas with lamb meat is a traditional Turkish dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family meal or special occasion. This dish is made with tender lamb meat, potatoes, courgettes, onions, and tomatoes, all cooked together in a delicious blend of spices and herbs.

History

Tavas with lamb meat has been a popular dish in Turkish cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings, as it is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Divide the lamb meat into portions, wash, and strain it.
  2. In a baking pan, arrange the potatoes, courgettes, onions, and tomatoes.
  3. Add the meat and season it. Sprinkle with cinnamon, olive oil, butter, bay leaves, and the appropriate amount of water. Place it in the oven for approximately 2 hours.
  4. Serve with its garnishing, sprinkling it with chopped parsley.

Variations

  • You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the meat into even portions to ensure that it cooks evenly.

- Season the meat and vegetables generously with salt, pepper, and cinnamon for a flavorful dish.

- Be sure to arrange the ingredients in the baking pan in an even layer to ensure even cooking.

- Check the dish periodically while it is cooking to make sure that it does not dry out, adding more water if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tavas with lamb meat with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This dish is baked in the oven for approximately 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lamb shoulder or leg meat for this recipe if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tavas with lamb meat with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 450

Carbohydrates

- Potatoes: 300g

- Courgettes: 300g

- Onions: 150g

- Tomatoes: 200g

Fats

- Olive oil: 100ml

- Butter: 100g

Proteins

- Lamb meat: 1.5kg

Vitamins and minerals

Parsley: rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but is also high in fats and carbohydrates.

Summary

Tavas with lamb meat is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With tender lamb meat, potatoes, courgettes, onions, and tomatoes, all cooked together in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was given to me by an old friend who had learned it from her grandmother, who in turn had learned it from her own mother. The recipe for Tavas with lamb meat was passed down through generations, each adding their own touch to make it truly their own.

I remember sitting in my friend's kitchen, watching as she expertly prepared the dish. The smell of garlic and onions filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. She explained each step to me in detail, from marinating the lamb meat in a mixture of olive oil and herbs, to layering it with tomatoes and potatoes in a baking dish.

As the Tavas cooked in the oven, the aroma became even more tantalizing. I couldn't wait to taste it and see if I could replicate the flavors at home. My friend assured me that with a little practice, I would be able to make it just as deliciously as she did.

And so, armed with the recipe and a newfound confidence, I set out to make Tavas with lamb meat in my own kitchen. I carefully followed each step, taking my time to ensure that every ingredient was added in the right order and quantity. As the dish baked in the oven, I waited anxiously for the moment of truth.

When it was finally ready, I took a bite and was transported back to my friend's kitchen. The flavors were rich and comforting, the lamb meat tender and juicy. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious all on my own.

From that moment on, Tavas with lamb meat became a staple in my household. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that first time in my friend's kitchen, and feel grateful for the recipe that had been passed down to me.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding a dash of paprika here, a sprinkle of fresh herbs there. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a comforting and hearty meal that never fails to satisfy.

And so, as I sit here writing this story, I am reminded of the power of recipes to connect us to our past and to the people who have shaped us. Tavas with lamb meat is more than just a dish to me - it is a link to a long line of women who have cooked and shared their love through food.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will sit in my kitchen, watching as I prepare Tavas with lamb meat, and feel that same sense of wonder and connection that I did so many years ago. And perhaps, they too will carry on the tradition, passing the recipe down to future generations to come.

Categories

| Cypriot Meat Dishes | Cypriot Recipes | Lamb Recipes | Potato Recipes |

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