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Kuzu Guvec – Turkish Lamb Stew Recipe

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3.9 from 42 reviews

Kuzu Guvec is a traditional Turkish lamb stew that combines tender diced lamb with a medley of vegetables simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. This hearty and comforting dish highlights the aromatic flavors of thyme, garlic, and paprika, delivering a rich and satisfying meal perfect for cooler days or family dinners.

Ingredients

Meat and Fats

  • 700 g lamb, diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables

  • 10 shallots, peeled
  • 2 large potatoes, sliced into large cubes
  • 2 medium green peppers, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced

Spices and Seasonings

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 sprigs thyme

Liquids

  • 1 cup water, hot

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lamb and vegetables: Begin by cutting 700 grams of lamb into bite-sized pieces. Peel the shallots and garlic, dice the green peppers and carrots, slice the potatoes into large cubes, and dice the tomatoes. This preparation ensures all ingredients are ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté the lamb: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced lamb and sear it on all sides until browned, developing deep flavor.
  3. Add the shallots and garlic: Once the lamb is browned, add the peeled shallots and garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften and release their aroma.
  4. Add the vegetables and seasonings: Add the diced green peppers, carrots, sliced potatoes, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1½ teaspoons salt. Toss gently to combine and coat the ingredients with the paste.
  5. Add thyme and water: Place 3 sprigs of fresh thyme on top of the mixture and pour 1 cup of hot water over everything. This will create the cooking liquid to simmer the stew gently.
  6. Simmer the stew: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the lamb and vegetables cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding a little more hot water if it gets too dry.
  7. Final seasoning and serving: Remove the thyme sprigs, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve the Kuzu Guvec hot with crusty bread or rice for a wholesome meal.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during slow simmering.
  • Slow cooking the stew allows the lamb to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • For a more intense tomato flavor, you may add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or substituting green peppers with mild chili peppers if desired.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors further develop.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/kuzu-guvec-turkish-lamb-stew-recipe/