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Slow-Baked Cypriot Lamb Tava with Potatoes Recipe

Place the lamb shoulder into your baking dish along with the potatoes, onions, and cleaned garlic cloves Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Lamb Tava is a traditional Cypriot baked dish featuring tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with potatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty, flavorful recipe offers a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2.5 kg Lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 4 Potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 Onions, peeled and quartered
  • 1 Whole garlic bulb, cleaned
  • 4 Tomatoes, blended until smooth

Seasonings and Oils

  • 1 cup Olive oil
  • 37.5 grams Salt
  • 7.5 grams Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dish: Place the lamb shoulder chunks into a large baking dish along with the peeled and quartered potatoes, quartered onions, and cleaned garlic cloves. Arrange evenly to create a layered base for cooking.
  2. Season and Coat: Pour the olive oil over the meat and vegetables. Gradually sprinkle the salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and ground cumin over everything, mixing gently to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated with the seasoning blend.
  3. Add the Tomatoes: Blend fresh tomatoes until smooth and pour the tomato puree evenly over the lamb, potatoes, and onions. Mix again carefully so the tomato sauce is distributed throughout the dish, coating all ingredients.
  4. Cover the Dish: Soak a sheet of parchment paper with water and wring out excess moisture, then place it directly on top of the contents to prevent sticking to the foil during baking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture and create steam for slow cooking.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Place the covered dish inside and bake for 4 hours to ensure the lamb becomes tender and the flavors meld perfectly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or your preferred side dishes for a warming traditional meal.

Notes

  • For even cooking, ensure the lamb pieces are cut into similar-sized chunks.
  • If desired, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
  • To adapt for a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of baking.
  • Use fan-forced oven for consistent heat circulation and best results.
  • Resting the dish before serving enhances flavor and juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lamb Tava, Cypriot Lamb Recipe, Baked Lamb Shoulder, Traditional Cypriot Dish, Lamb with Potatoes, Mediterranean Lamb Recipe

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/place-the-lamb-shoulder-into-your-baking-dish-along-with-the-potatoes-onions-and-cleaned-garlic-cloves-recipe/