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Traditional Ankara dish with lamb, rice pilaf, and tomato sauce baked in the oven
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 serving (medium) of Ankara Tava (250 g) has 425 calories. That works out to 170 calories per 100 g. It contains 40 g of carbs, 23.8 g of protein, 18 g of fat and 3 g of fiber. Its 2 µg of B12 covers 83% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 60 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 250 g
425
KCAL / 250G
Carbs
40g
· 15% DV
Protein
23.8g
· 48% DV
Fat
18g
· 23% DV
Fiber
3g
· 11% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 38% · Protein 23% · Fat 39%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 425 kcal | |
| Total fat | 18 g | 23% |
| Saturated fat | 7 g | 35% |
| Trans fat | 0.08 g | |
| Sodium | 800 mg | 35% |
| Total carbohydrate | 40 g | 15% |
| Fiber | 3 g | 11% |
| Protein | 23.8 g | 48% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 250 g | 425 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 170 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 120 g | 204 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 150 g | 255 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 200 g | 340 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 200 g | 340 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 300 g | 510 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 300 g | 510 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 350 g | 595 kcal |
Calculated from 170 calories per 100 g.
Ankara Tava is a Turkish baked dish combining lamb with pilaf, commonly made with orzo or rice, tomato, and peppers. The meat cooks with the grain so its juices season the pilaf.
Ankara Tava is made by cooking lamb with aromatics and vegetables, then baking it with orzo or rice and cooking liquid. The dish is ready when the lamb is tender and the grain has absorbed the liquid.
Lamb is the traditional meat for Ankara Tava, often cut into pieces suitable for braising. Beef can be substituted, but it may need different cooking time and gives the dish a less traditional flavor.
Ankara Tava can be made with either orzo or rice, depending on the recipe. Orzo is a common choice in Turkish versions; rice-based recipes are also found, and the grain changes the dish’s texture.
Ankara Tava comes from Ankara, the capital of Türkiye. It is a regional oven dish built around lamb and pilaf, with local recipes varying in their choice of grain and seasoning.
Ankara Tava is a particular Turkish baked preparation, not simply lamb served beside plain pilaf. The lamb, vegetables, and grain cook together, allowing the cooking juices to flavor the pilaf.
Serve Ankara Tava with a crisp salad, yogurt, or pickles. Since the dish already includes lamb and pilaf, a fresh, tangy side complements it without making the meal feel too heavy.
Yes, beef works in Ankara Tava, though lamb is the traditional choice. Use a braising cut and cook it until tender before combining it with the grain, since lean or quick-cooking cuts can become dry.
Store leftover Ankara Tava in a covered container in the refrigerator once it has cooled, and eat it within a few days. Reheat it thoroughly with a splash of water to keep the pilaf from drying out.
Yes, Ankara Tava can be frozen in airtight portions, though the pilaf may soften after thawing. Defrost it in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly; adding a little water helps restore moisture.
Vitamins
B12
2µg · 83% DV
B3
5.25mg · 33% DV
B5
1.63mg · 33% DV
B2
0.28mg · 22% DV
Minerals
Phosphorus
275mg · 39% DV
Sodium
800mg · 35% DV
Zinc
3.75mg · 34% DV
Selenium
18µg · 33% DV
Potassium ⭐
463mg · 14% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 425 calories in 1 serving (medium) (250 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Ankara Tava is a baked lamb and pilaf dish associated with Ankara in central Türkiye. Lamb is cooked with orzo-shaped pasta (arpa şehriye), tomato and pepper; recipes vary, and some versions use rice. Baking the meat and pilaf together lets their savoury juices mingle.
It is usually served hot as a substantial main meal, with the lamb browned on top and the pilaf soft and glossy beneath. A crisp salad, yoghurt or pickles make a fresh contrast. The dish provides protein alongside a generous share of carbohydrates from the pilaf; it contains 9.5 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter plate, serve a modest portion with plenty of salad, or use a little less pilaf.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
7g
MONOUNSATURATED
6.5g
POLYUNSATURATED
1g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3.1:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.