Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

TurkishAuthentic Cuisine

Sac Kavurma

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Sac Kavurma

Sac Kavurma hails from the rugged landscapes of eastern Anatolia, where it is a beloved choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. The dish thrives on simplicity and the generous use of fat, reflecting the hearty and straightforward culinary traditions of the region. Typically served at gatherings, it exemplifies the communal spirit of Turkish dining, inviting everyone to partake in its rich flavors.

The taste of Sac Kavurma is a deep, savory blend of tender lamb cubes, softened onions, and vibrant peppers, all harmonized by the warm heat of pul biber. The butter enriches the dish, adding a smooth, indulgent layer to the robust seasoning of salt and black pepper. It's a dish that speaks to the soul, offering a comforting and flavorful experience with every bite.

Ingredients

  • 700 glamb cubes
  • 2peppers
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspbutter
  • 1 tsppul biber
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by taking 700 g of lamb cubes and season them generously with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add 1 tsp of pul biber to the meat, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step infuses the lamb with flavor and prepares it for browning.
  2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a traditional sac over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp of butter and let it melt completely, swirling it around to coat the pan. Once the butter is sizzling, add the seasoned lamb cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the lamb on all sides until each piece develops a deep, rich color. This caramelization is key to building flavor.
  3. While the lamb is browning, prepare the vegetables. Slice 2 peppers and 1 onion into thin strips. Once the lamb is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside temporarily.
  4. In the same pan, add the sliced onions and peppers. Sauté them in the remaining butter and lamb drippings over medium heat until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and the vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
  5. Return the browned lamb cubes to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Allow the mixture to cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender and the flavors meld together. The lamb should be easy to cut with a fork and the vegetables should be fully integrated into the dish.
  6. Taste the Sac Kavurma for seasoning, adding more salt or black pepper if needed. The dish should be savory with a hint of heat from the pul biber. Serve immediately, accompanied by rice, fresh bread, or a simple salad, inviting everyone to share this hearty and flavorful meal.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.