Nevsehir Testi Kebab


Description and Distinguishing Features of the Product:

Nevşehir Pot Kebab is a traditional dish made by layering beef or lamb, assorted vegetables, and spices inside special clay pots crafted in the Avanos district of Nevşehir province. These pots are sealed tightly with dough and baked in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours. The ingredients are placed raw into the pot without any prior cooking. The clay pot used in making Nevşehir Pot Kebab holds the unique qualities of the officially registered Avanos Pottery with registration number 293. Typically, the kebab is served by breaking open the pot in which it was cooked. The recipe and cooking method of Nevşehir Pot Kebab have been passed down through generations, showcasing expert craftsmanship. The process begins by placing the meat at the bottom of the pot, followed by arranging and seasoning the other ingredients. The final cooking and serving techniques reflect the accumulated skill and tradition developed over many years.

Nevsehir Testi Kebab

Please be aware that the term "Pot Kebab" refers to the cooking technique using clay pots and does not necessarily mean a specific type of pot must be used.

Ingredient Preparation Steps:

Cut the meat into bite-sized chunks, about 20-30g each. Slice the bell peppers and peeled tomatoes into pieces roughly the same size as the meat. Peel the pearl onions and garlic cloves, setting them aside to be added whole to the pot kebab. Garlic can optionally be used as individual cloves. Combine salt and black pepper in a bowl. In another bowl, mix water and sunflower oil. Prepare a simple dough using flour and water.

Filling the Pots:
Begin by placing the diced meat at the bottom of the clay pot. Next, layer the bell peppers, pearl onions, garlic, and tomatoes one after another, gently pressing down occasionally to compact the ingredients. Evenly sprinkle the salt and black pepper mixture over the layers. Using your fingers, make small holes on both sides of the layered ingredients inside the pot. Pour in the water and sunflower oil mixture. Finally, cover the pot’s opening tightly with aluminum foil to seal it.

Cooking Procedure:
Preheat your oven to 250°C. Place the clay pot inside the hot oven. Use the cooking method referred to as "poeling" in international culinary terms, which means baking the dish inside the pot. Bake for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Carefully take the pot out of the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Seal the opening of the pot with the prepared dough, then return it to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 30 to 45 minutes along with the dough seal. The total cooking duration for the pot kebab is around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Serving Instructions:
Serve the pot kebab while it is still hot. Traditionally, the clay pots are broken open by tapping them with a knife or cleaver, allowing the Nevşehir Pot Kebab to be served directly on a plate. Alternatively, the contents can be carefully removed and plated without breaking the pots.