Yörük Kebab (Turkish Lamb Stew with Noodles and Vegetables)
This Antalya specialty is less a kebab than a saucy stew: lamb simmered with pearl onions, zucchini, carrot, potato and green beans, finished with boiled wheat noodles. The broth stays light but flavorful, perfect for soaking into the erişte. Great for a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something hearty without much fuss.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 45 min
- Total time
- 60 min
- Servings
- 3
- Difficulty
- Easy
Instructions
-
1
Heat the butter and olive oil in a pot. Once hot, add the pearl onions and meat and sauté until browned.
-
2
Remove the sautéed pearl onions to a separate bowl. Pour 3/4 cup (about 175 ml) water over the meat, cover, and let it simmer over low heat.
-
3
Cut the zucchini, potato, carrot and green beans into evenly sized pieces.
-
4
When the meat is nearly tender, add the vegetables, pour in a bit more water, and continue cooking.
-
5
Once cooked through, stir in the pre-boiled noodles and mix well. Serve hot.
-
6
Enjoy.
Diet and allergens
Worked out from the ingredient list. Always check the labels if you have an allergy.
Tips
- Brown the meat and onions well at the start — it builds the base flavor of the whole stew.
- Keep the water modest; the dish should be saucy but not soupy, so add it in small increments.
- Boil the noodles separately until just tender so they don't drink up the broth.
- Cut all vegetables the same size so they finish cooking together.
- Goat meat is traditional in Antalya but lamb works great and is easier to find.
Serving suggestions
- Serve in deep bowls with crusty bread to mop up the broth.
- Pair with a simple shepherd's salad and a glass of ayran.
- Finish with fresh dill or parsley and a lemon wedge.
Substitutions
- Instead of lamb or goat: beef chuck stew meat works, just simmer a bit longer.
- Instead of pearl onions: 1 medium onion cut into wedges.
- Instead of erişte noodles: orzo or small egg noodles.
- Instead of fresh green beans: frozen green beans added with the potatoes.
Frequently asked questions
What is erişte?
A traditional Turkish wheat noodle, similar to flat egg noodles or orzo. Any small egg noodle works.
Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat first, then pressure cook with the water for about 20 minutes before adding the vegetables.
How saucy should it be?
It should have a light broth covering the ingredients loosely — saucy but not watery.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it reheats well. Cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating so they stay firm.
Reviews and questions
Average rating
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