Slow-Baked Cypriot Lamb Tava with Potatoes Recipe

If you ever wondered how to create a home-cooked masterpiece that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with smiles, this lamb tava recipe is your answer. Imagine the tender, juicy lamb infused with the rich warmth of cinnamon and cumin, while the potatoes, onions, and garlic soak up every bit of that flavor. The secret to nailing this dish lies in one simple but crucial step: Place the lamb shoulder into your baking dish along with the potatoes, onions, and cleaned garlic cloves. This sets the stage for everything else to meld beautifully into a traditional Cypriot-style baked delight that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and rustic charm. Each component plays a vital role, from the hearty lamb to the fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.

• Lamb shoulder (2.5 kg): The star of the dish, chosen for its tenderness and rich flavor when slow-cooked.
• Potatoes (4, peeled & quartered): Absorb the savory juices and offer a silky contrast to the meat.
• Onions (2, peeled & quartered): Add sweetness that mellows beautifully during baking.
• Whole garlic (cleaned): Imparts a gentle, aromatic depth without overpowering.
• Olive oil (1 cup): Coats everything with richness and helps meld the flavors.
• Salt (37.5 grams): Essential for enhancing every element’s natural taste.
• Black pepper (7.5 grams): Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings a warm, sweet-spicy note that complements the lamb.
• Ground cumin (1 tsp): Introduces an earthy, smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
• Tomatoes (4, blended): Create a luscious, tangy sauce that ties everything together.

How to Make Slow-Baked Cypriot Lamb Tava with Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

The absolute foundation of this recipe is to place the lamb shoulder into your baking dish along with the potatoes, onions, and cleaned garlic cloves. This step ensures the flavors mingle from the very start, allowing the meat and vegetables to cook in harmony and soak up the seasonings during baking.

Step 2: Season and Coat

After arranging your lamb and vegetables, drizzle the olive oil evenly over the dish. Gradually sprinkle the salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and cumin while gently mixing everything. Make sure the lamb chunks and vegetables get fully coated so each bite bursts with taste.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce

Pour the blended tomatoes evenly over the seasoned lamb and veggies, then mix lightly. This juicy layer not only adds moisture but infuses the dish with a subtle sweetness and fresh acidity, balancing the richness beautifully.

Step 4: Cover and Seal

To lock in moisture, place wet parchment paper carefully over the dish, then cover with aluminum foil. This technique prevents the foil from sticking to the food and preserves the steam inside, resulting in tender meat and silky potatoes.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan-forced) and bake for a full 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the lamb shoulder and potatoes to reach that melt-in-your-mouth texture while the flavors deepen and harmonize perfectly.

Step 6: Rest and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, making every bite incredibly juicy and satisfying.

How to Serve Slow-Baked Cypriot Lamb Tava with Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few aromatic bay leaves for a touch of color and herbal brightness that cuts through the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crusty bread to mop up all those luscious juices or a crisp salad to add freshness and textural contrast to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet elegant presentation, serve the lamb and vegetables straight from the baking dish. Alternatively, plate it on a large wooden board with a scattering of toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of extra olive oil for a Mediterranean flair that wow’s guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lamb tava stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for even tastier meals the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well too. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in an oven preheated to 160°C, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to reheat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of lamb?

Absolutely! While lamb shoulder is ideal for its tenderness during slow cooking, shin or even leg cuts can work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since leaner cuts may dry out faster.

Do I need to peel the potatoes and onions?

Peeling the potatoes and onions is traditional and helps achieve a smooth texture, but if you prefer a bit more rustic character and nutrition, leaving skins on is fine—just be sure to clean them thoroughly.

Can I substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder?

Fresh garlic cloves provide a mellow, aromatic flavor essential to this dish’s character. Garlic powder lacks this depth, so it’s best to stick with fresh garlic for the authentic taste.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with parchment and foil?

Yes, covering with wet parchment paper prevents foil from sticking to the food and traps moisture, ensuring tender meat and vegetables. Skipping this can result in drier results and less flavorful potatoes.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

Definitely! You can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before placing in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say that this Cypriot lamb tava will quickly become a beloved classic in your home cooking. The magic starts when you place the lamb shoulder into your baking dish along with the potatoes, onions, and cleaned garlic cloves, creating a foundation of flavor that transforms during the slow bake. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to serve a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You won’t regret it!

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