Tuesday, January 01, 2008

The first day of the new year in Belgie

Today is the day when Gert's family get together to celebrate the first day of the new year, his birthday and his brother's birthday (31 December) ... it is a day of much feasting and it was our turn to provide the main course.

And so we did.
Tavas ... a popular dish from the island of Cyprus; extremely easy to make.

And it was.

If you're cooking it, the house will smell divine and it tastes good too.
We did one with beef and another with turkey.

Tavas
1kg (2 lbs) lean brisket or top rump steak, cubed.
500g (1 lb) onions, sliced finely
1kg (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and sliced thickly
150ml (1/4 pint) groundnut oil
250g (8oz) tomatoes, chopped or a 250g (8oz) can, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
300ml (1/2 pint) hot water
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
salt and black pepper

Oven temperature: 200 celsius, 400 farenheit, gas mark 6
Cook for 2 hours.


Stunning courses and wines were provided by all. Gert's brother's course surely fitted into the category of fine cuisine, his sister made a lovely soup and dessert (as usual) was overwhelming and left us exhausted.

It's not the worst way to spend that first day ...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Gert@!@@ It is also my late father's 100th birthday today!! Amazing since he was only 66 when he died... to even think of him that old. The birthday party for you all sounded wonderful.. and the recipe sounds great!!!

Harvey Molloy said...

Happy new Year, Di. I hope you have a good one. Keep on blogging.

C. said...

Girl, how does ANYONE stay thin in your house!!! :)

I'll have to try that with Tofu. ;)

Anonymous said...

Happy belated-Birthday Gert.

A said...

Happy birthday Gert! Turning 30 can be quite a milestone ;-)

Loved the recipe. As soon I'm able to cook again I must give it a try.