Turkish lamb dish with vegetables

Turkish lamb stew with vegetables is a savory recipe that brings together an explosion of flavors and textures, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends. This recipe is not only hearty but will also offer you a unique culinary experience with every bite. So, let's discover together how we can prepare this delight!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients
- 2 kg lamb shoulder (bone-in; 1.2 kg boneless meat)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 green bell peppers
- 4 red kapia peppers (roasted or unroasted)
- 2 semi-hot peppers (like piperone)
- 3 garlic cloves (or one small head, preferably green)
- 6-7 medium potatoes
- 2 large onions
- 4 large tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 generous tablespoon of dried thyme (or fresh thyme, to taste)
- 1 large lemon
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or chili powder (optional, for extra spiciness)

Brief history
Turkish lamb stew with vegetables is a traditional recipe that reflects the richness and diversity of the region's gastronomy. It stands out for its combination of meat and vegetables, which not only provides a unique taste but also offers significant nutritional value. Cooked slowly, this dish reveals all its flavors, making every meal a celebration of tastes.

Step by step for a perfect result

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by cleaning the lamb shoulder of any membranes and deboning it. Cut the meat into cubes of about 3 cm, so it cooks evenly. This step is crucial for achieving a tender texture.

Step 2: Browning the meat
In a large pot (preferably a cauldron), heat the olive oil. Add the meat cubes and cook them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the meat changes color and releases its juices. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the meat is browned, cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the juices reduce.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
While the meat is in the oven, clean and chop the vegetables: cut the potatoes and zucchinis into large cubes, the peppers into pieces of about 8, and the tomatoes into 6. If using hot peppers, slice them into rings (if green) or break them into pieces (if dried). Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic. Squeeze the lemon, being careful to reserve the juice for the next step.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
After the meat has browned, remove the pot from the oven and place it on low heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then add the garlic, peppers, and let them soften. Next, add the tomatoes and let them soften a bit, then add the tomato paste, potatoes, zucchinis, hot pepper, cumin, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Final cooking
Pour 500 ml of water and the lemon juice into the pot, then cover with a lid. Place the pot in the oven at 160 degrees Celsius for about 1 hour. Ensure that the dish does not dry out; if necessary, you can add a little water during cooking.

Step 6: Serving
When the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and adjust the salt if needed. Serve it warm, alongside toasted bread rubbed with garlic, or with hot peppers, as is tradition. It can be accompanied by a fresh salad or yogurt with mint, which will add a refreshing contrast.

Useful tips
- Meat: If you can't find lamb, you can use mutton or even beef, but the cooking time may vary.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with the vegetables you have on hand, adding carrots or eggplants for extra flavor.
- Spices: If you like spicy food, feel free to add more chili flakes or try different spices, such as smoked paprika or coriander.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This dish is rich in protein from the meat and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the types of vegetables added. Consuming lamb is beneficial due to its iron and zinc content, essential for optimal health.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use chicken instead of lamb?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, about 30-40 minutes.
- Is this recipe suitable for a festive meal?
Absolutely! It is impressive and hearty, ideal for special occasions.
- How can I store leftovers?
The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven.

Turkish lamb stew with vegetables is not just a recipe, but a flavorful and traditional experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, put on your chef's attire and enjoy every step of this delicious culinary process!