Lamb Tandoori

Kuzu Tandır (Lamb Tandoori) is one of the most beloved and ancient dishes in Turkish cuisine, originating from the Seljuk era. It involves roasting whole lamb or large cuts of lamb in a 'tandır' (a pit oven made of clay) for hours until the meat falls off the bone. The slow-cooking process allows the meat to cook in its own juices, resulting in an incredibly tender texture and a concentrated savory flavor. Traditionally, the lamb is suspended over coals or wood fire in the pit. In modern restaurants, it is often slow-roasted in ovens but still retains that melting tenderness. Kuzu Tandır is typically served with iç pilav (rice with liver, nuts, and spices) or simple buttery rice and accompanied by fresh onions and yogurt.