Succulent and Flavorful Kavurma: A Traditional Turkish Meat Delight

Kavurma is a traditional Turkish dish known for its rich and flavorful taste. This dish consists of tender pieces of meat, usually lamb or beef, cooked slowly with onions and spices. Often enjoyed during special occasions, Kavurma is beloved for its simplicity and depth of flavor. Here’s how you can make this delightful dish at home:

Ingredients:
– 1 kg of lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
– 2 large onions, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 cup of water or broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:
1. Preparation:
– Start by cutting the meat into small, bite-sized cubes. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Sautéing the Onions:
– In a large pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and start to caramelize.

3. Cooking the Meat:
– Add the meat cubes to the pot with the onions. Cook the meat until it starts to brown on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes.

4. Seasoning:
– Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir well to ensure the meat is coated with the spices.

5. Simmering:
– Reduce the heat to low and add the bay leaves and 1 cup of water or broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check if you need to add more water to keep the meat from drying out.

6. Finishing Touches:
– Once the meat is tender and the liquid has reduced, remove the bay leaves. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Serving:
– Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with rice, bulgur, or fresh bread on the side.

Tips:
– For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of pomegranate molasses or a handful of pine nuts during the simmering process.
– Kavurma can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors further meld together.
– This dish can also be used as a filling for pita or flatbreads, creating a delightful and hearty sandwich option.

Enjoy making and savoring this traditional Turkish Kavurma, a dish that brings together the warmth and richness of Turkish cuisine in every bite.