Tas kebab

Tas kebab served with cacık

Tas kebab is a traditional Turkish dish that is known for its rich flavors and tender meat. It is a type of stew that typically features lamb or beef, cooked slowly with a variety of vegetables and spices. The name "tas" refers to the "bowl" or "pot" in which the dish is traditionally cooked and served.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of tas kebab include:

• Lamb or beef
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Green peppers
• Tomato paste
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Water or broth

Preparation

The preparation of tas kebab involves several steps:

1. Browning the Meat: The meat is cut into cubes and browned in olive oil in a large pot or "tas". 2. Sautéing the Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and green peppers are added to the pot and sautéed until soft. 3. Adding Tomatoes and Spices: Chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices such as salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme are added. 4. Simmering: Water or broth is added to cover the ingredients, and the mixture is left to simmer slowly until the meat is tender. 5. Adding Root Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are added later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Serving

Tas kebab is traditionally served hot, often accompanied by rice or bulgur pilaf. It is also commonly served with cacık, a refreshing side dish made from yogurt, cucumber, and dill.

Variations

While the basic recipe for tas kebab remains consistent, there are regional variations across Turkey. Some versions may include additional spices or different types of vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini.

Related Pages

• Turkish cuisine
• Kebab
• Cacık
• Stew