Recipes from Cyprus: Tavva (Baked Lamb and Potatoes with Tomatoes and Onions)

Recipes from Cyprus


Tavva (Baked Lamb and Potatoes with Tomatoes and Onions)

Country: Cyprus
Course: Main
Makes: 8 to 12 servings



Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lamb
  • 2 lbs potatoes
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 1 lb fresh tomatoes, quatered
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2-4 bay leaves.
  • I tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 cup olive oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Put the meat in a large bowl with the potatoes, onions, tomatoes and bay leaves. Top with the cinnamon, salt and pepper, then pour the oil over everything.
  3. Now mix the tomato paste with the water and pour that over the everything. Toss until the meat and vegetables are coated with oil, tomato paste and spices, then transfer to a roasting pan.
  4. Cover loosely with foil and bake until an internal thermometer registers 140 degrees for rare, 150 for medium and 160 for well-done, turning the meat and potatoes occasionally.