Ankara Tava

Introduction to Ankara Tava

Ankara Tava is a traditional Turkish dish that originates from the capital city, Ankara. A hallmark of Turkish cuisine, this dish is renowned for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Ankara Tava is essentially a baked lamb and rice casserole, and it's a fantastic representation of Turkish culinary artistry. Traditionally, it is prepared with lamb, but variations exist with other meats such as chicken or beef. Turkish cuisine is known for its use of fresh and simple ingredients that come together to create complex flavors, and Ankara Tava is no exception. The dish often features ingredients like onion, garlic, tomato, and a host of aromatic herbs and spices such as thyme and oregano.

Ingredients for Ankara Tava

• Lamb (1 kg, cut into cubes)
• Onion (2 large, finely chopped)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Tomato (2 large, puréed)
• Olive oil (6 tablespoons)
• Rice (2 cups, rinsed)
• Beef stock (4 cups)
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried)
• Oregano (1 teaspoon, dried)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Meat

Begin by seasoning the lamb with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sear the lamb until it's browned on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Once browned, remove the lamb from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, followed by the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Creating the Tomato Base

Stir in the puréed tomato into the onion and garlic mixture. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Cooking the Rice

In a separate large pot, bring the beef stock to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and continue cooking according to the package instructions, ensuring that the rice is cooked but still firm.

Step 5: Baking the Ankara Tava

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, mix together the seared lamb, sautéed vegetables, and rice. Add the thyme and oregano and stir everything to combine. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for about 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the lamb to become tender.

Step 6: Final Touch

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly. Once done, it’s important to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set properly.

Enjoying Ankara Tava

Ankara Tava can be served with a side of fresh salad or warm crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A glass of full-bodied red wine or a traditional Turkish tea complements this dish beautifully. Enjoy your flavorful Ankara Tava!

Don't forget to use a cooking timer to ensure each step is followed as intended, helping you achieve the best results.