Belen Tava is a traditional Turkish slow-braised meat dish with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and spices. Tender and deeply flavorful, it’s perfect for family meals and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 lbs lamb shoulder or beef chuck, cut into chunks
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4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
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3–4 green peppers (or Sivri Biber), sliced
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8 garlic cloves, peeled
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2 tbsp olive oil or lamb fat
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp red pepper flakes (pul biber)
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Optional: 1 tsp thyme or ½ tsp ground cumin
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a clay tray or baking dish, combine meat, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and spices.
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Drizzle with oil or fat and toss well.
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Cover with foil or a lid and bake for 2–2.5 hours.
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Stir halfway through for even cooking.
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Uncover for last 30 minutes for browning (optional).
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Check for fork-tender meat. Rest 10 minutes before serving.