Main CourseDinner

Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab)

Name: Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: turkish, middle_eastern
Ingredients: 600 g lamb shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 pcs yellow onion chopped; 1 pcs green bell pepper chopped; 1 pcs red bell pepper chopped; 2 pcs tomato diced; 3 clove garlic minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 cup water; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper ground; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; 0.25 cup flour; 0.05 cup water

This traditional Turkish testi kebab features tender pieces of lamb or beef slow-cooked with vegetables in a sealed clay pot. The pot is dramatically cracked open at the table, releasing aromatic steam and a rich, flavorful stew. It's a truly unique and delicious culinary experience.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 2 hr 50 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 531 kcal

Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

600 glamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pcsyellow onion, chopped
1 pcsgreen bell pepper, chopped
1 pcsred bell pepper, chopped
2 pcstomato, diced
3 clovegarlic, minced
2 tbsptomato paste
2 tbspolive oil
0.5 cupwater
1 tspsalt
0.5 tspblack pepper, ground
0.5 tspred pepper flakes

dough

0.25 cupflour
0.05 cupwater

Equipment

clay pot · large bowl · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
About 10 min
2
In a large bowl, combine the lamb shoulder, yellow onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, tomato, and garlic.
About 5 min
3
Add the tomato paste, olive oil, water, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the bowl.
About 1 min
4
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the meat and vegetables are well coated.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Using your hands ensures everything is evenly distributed.
5
Carefully transfer the mixture into a clay pot (testi). Do not overfill; leave about an inch of space from the top.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure your clay pot is oven-safe and has a narrow opening.
6
In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to create a thick dough. This will be used to seal the pot.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The dough should be firm enough to handle but pliable.
7
Roll the dough into a snake-like shape and press it around the rim of the clay pot's opening, creating a tight seal.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Make sure there are no gaps for steam to escape, as this is crucial for the cooking process.
8
Place the sealed clay pot in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.
About 2 hr 30 min
9
Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Serve the testi kebab immediately by dramatically cracking open the seal and pouring out the contents.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Traditionally, the top of the pot is broken off with a small hammer or knife at the table.

Per serving

Nutrition

53%Score

Calories: 531kcal
Protein: 27.5g
Carbs: 21.3g
Fat: 40.3g
Fibre: 4.1g
Sugar: 9.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store any leftover testi kebab in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.