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Tas Kebabı

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Tas Kebabı

Tas Kebabı is a comforting dish that graces Turkish family tables with its simplicity and depth. A staple in home kitchens, it's a stew that celebrates the generous use of ingredients, where salt is measured by the hand and the cooking process remains intuitive. This version captures the essence of home cooking, embodying the warmth and hospitality of a Turkish household, especially during the cooler months when a hearty meal is most appreciated.

The dish offers a rich, savory profile with tender beef cubes and the sweetness of onions, all enveloped in a velvety tomato base with a hint of paprika. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that soothes the soul, inviting diners to share and savor each bite around the family table, where conversation and connection flourish.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 2onions
  • 2 tbsptomato paste
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • 500 mlwater
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by seasoning 800 g of beef cubes with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, along with 1 tsp of paprika. Ensure each piece is evenly coated by tossing them gently in a large bowl. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides, turning occasionally, until each piece develops a deep, rich color. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and add 2 finely chopped onions to the same pot. Sauté the onions in the residual oil and beef drippings, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. The onions will absorb the flavors left in the pot, adding depth to the dish.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing well with the onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and lose its raw taste. This step will deepen the flavor of the sauce.
  5. Return the browned beef cubes to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Pour in 500 ml of water, ensuring the beef is just covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it braise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  6. Once the beef is tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. The sauce should be rich and flavorful, with a balance of savory and slightly sweet notes from the onions and tomato paste.
  7. Serve the Tas Kebabı hot, accompanied by rice, fresh bread, or a simple salad. The dish is meant to be enjoyed family-style, with everyone sharing from the same pot.
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.

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