| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 560 | 30g | 10g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 6g | 45g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Turkish Sauteed Meat
At the heart of Turkish cuisine, you’ll find a beautiful simplicity swept over a rich tapestry of local ingredients. Among these dishes, the meat lover’s dream–“Sauteed Meat”, humbly awaits. Combining tender, succulent cubes of lamb, the earthy sweetness of winter squash, and the delightful rhapsody of spices, this treasured Turkish recipe stands the test of time with an understated elegance.
Turkish Influence Meets American West Roots
The marriage of Turkish simplicity with my American West roots is what makes this dish truly a standout. Growing up in Montana, I was always thrilled by the bounty of the land. Yes, my dishes blend rancher’s favorites and Native American traditions, yet it’s the addition of influences from further afield, like this Sauteed Meat, that makes each recipe I design an adventure.
The dish incorporates lamb, a time-honored staple in Turkish meals, something quite far from Bison burgers or Venison steaks. Yet, it shares the core philosophy of my Montana upbringing – respecting the meat and using every part effectively. Just as we Montanans appreciate the robust, wholesome flavors of our produce, this Turkish classic shines in emphasizing the richness of the lamb.
Heartwarming Flavors Of The Traditional Sauteed Meat
Cumin, a spice that I’ve found weaves magic into many dishes, lends an exciting warmth to the Sauteed Meat. The warmth of the dish is furthered by the addition of winter squash, providing a comforting sweetness. Through the soft notes of bell pepper and the rich-ness added by the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, every ingredient works together, creating a symphony of flavors that make every bite consistently brilliant.
This dish, Sauteed Meat, feels homely yet equally sophisticated due to the play of spices and ingredients – a balance I constantly strive to achieve in my recipes.
Inspired by world-class chefs such as Erhan Şekeroglu, whose mastery in blending traditional Turkish ingredients with modern culinary practices, this recipe reminded me to not limit my flavors to the boundaries of my childhood kitchen.
Each recipe acts as an edible passport, allowing us to explore and appreciate the different regional flavors the world has to offer. The Sauteed Meat recipe does exactly that, throwing open a culinary door to another world, leading me on countless Turkish flavor adventures.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of lamb cubes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 winter squash, cubed
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of flat leaf parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by gathering all your ingredients together. Ensure all vegetables are chopped, the garlic is minced, and the lamb cubes are thawed if previously frozen.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the lamb cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Step Four
Add the cubed winter squash to the skillet and give the ingredients a good stir to evenly distribute. Leave to cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the squash begins to soften.
Step Five
Continuing on medium-high heat, stir in the tomato paste and the can of diced tomatoes. Add the ground cumin, salt, and pepper as well, adjusting the taste according to your preference.
Step Six
Reduce the skillet’s heat to low, cover it, and let everything simmer together for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend together nicely.
Step Seven
Just before serving, scatter the chopped flat leaf parsley over the sautéed meat. Give it one final stir to mix in the parsley and let it heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
Step Eight
Your Sauteed Meat dish is now ready to serve and enjoy! This dish pairs beautifully with warm bread or a side of rice.
