Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab)
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
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 600 glamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) 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
- 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
Store any leftover testi kebab in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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