Turkish Tava Kebab with Spiced Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the spiced yogurt sauce: For the spiced yogurt sauce:
• 1 cup plain yogurt 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the meat cubes to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a tava or a large flat skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat cubes and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   While the meat is cooking, prepare the spiced yogurt sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.
5. 5.
   Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the tava and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Tava Kebabs hot, accompanied by the spiced yogurt sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Meat — For the best results, choose tender cuts of lamb or beef, such as leg or shoulder. Trim any excess fat before cutting into cubes to ensure a leaner kebab.
• Yogurt — Opt for full-fat plain yogurt to achieve a creamy and rich texture in the spiced yogurt sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning during cooking.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices in the marinade and yogurt sauce.
• Serve the Tava Kebabs with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tava Kebabs hot, accompanied by warm bread or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tava Kebabs on a platter, drizzle the spiced yogurt sauce over them, and sprinkle some paprika and chopped herbs on top for an appealing presentation.