Tas Kebabı with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the onions and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the meat to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Stir in the garlic, cumin, paprika, sumac, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. 6.
   Transfer the meat and onion mixture to a clay pot or oven-safe dish.
7. 7.
   Add the bell peppers and tomatoes to the pot, spreading them evenly.
8. 8.
   Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
9. 9.
   Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
11. 11.
    Serve hot with rice pilaf or warm bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Meat — For the best results, choose lean cuts of lamb or beef. Trim any excess fat before cutting into bite-sized pieces to ensure a tender and flavorful outcome.
• Sumac — Sumac is a tangy spice commonly used in Turkish cuisine. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of salt for a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• Marinate the meat overnight in the spice mixture for even more flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the spice blend.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant to add variety to the dish.
• For a smokier flavor, you can grill the meat and vegetables before transferring them to the pot for baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Tas Kebabı hot with a side of rice pilaf or warm bread. The dish pairs well with a refreshing salad or a dollop of yogurt on the side to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional sumac or paprika on top of the dish before serving. Arrange the colorful vegetables on a platter and place the meat on top for an eye-catching display.