1 piece (medium) of Belen Tava (180 g) has 243 calories. That works out to 135 calories per 100 g. It contains 11.7 g of carbs, 18.4 g of protein, 13 g of fat and 2.9 g of fiber. Its 1.3 µg of B12 covers 53% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Belen Tava?

Belen Tava is a tray-baked lamb dish associated with Belen in Hatay, southern Turkey. Chunks of lamb cook with tomatoes, green peppers, onion and garlic until the meat is tender and the vegetables soften into the savoury cooking juices.

It is usually served hot, often with bread, rice or bulgur to catch the juices, and a fresh salad alongside. The lamb makes it a satisfying main course with a useful amount of protein: it provides 10.2 g per 100 g. For a lighter meal, pair it with plenty of salad and choose a modest portion of bread or grains.

Belen Tava Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

135

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

6.5g

· 2% DV

Protein

10.2g

· 20% DV

Fat

7.2g

· 9% DV

Fiber

1.6g

· 6% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 20% · Protein 31% · Fat 49%

Belen Tava Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.7µg · 29% DV

2.1mg · 13% DV

0.6mg · 12% DV

0.18mg · 11% DV

Minerals

Zinc

2mg · 18% DV

Phosphorus

110mg · 16% DV

Sodium

320mg · 14% DV

Selenium

7µg · 13% DV

How Nutritious Is Belen Tava?

Nutrient density

High

65/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

50/ 100

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.

Belen Tava Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Belen Tava

To burn the 135 calories in 100 g:

🚶

33min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

14min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

18min

Cycling

🏊

16min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Belen Tava Processed?

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.

Does Belen Tava Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Belen Tava Good For?

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

Belen Tava Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.3g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.6g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4.5:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (4.5:1).

Compare Belen Tava

🍲vs🥩

Belen Tava vs Ground Beef115 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍲vs🍢

Belen Tava vs Chicken Skewer5 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍲vs🥩

Belen Tava vs Sauteed Lamb95 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍲vs🍗

Belen Tava vs Smoked Turkey25 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Belen Tava

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Belen Tava

What is Belen Tava?

Belen Tava is a Turkish oven-baked dish associated with Belen in Hatay, made with pieces of lamb and vegetables. The meat cooks alongside tomato, peppers, onion, and garlic, so the tray collects flavorful juices as the ingredients soften.

How is Belen Tava traditionally cooked?

Belen Tava is traditionally cooked in a shallow oven tray, with the lamb and vegetables baked together until the meat is tender. Keeping the ingredients in larger pieces helps them hold their shape while their juices mingle in the tray.

Where does Belen Tava come from?

Belen Tava comes from Belen, a district in Hatay province in southern Türkiye. It is part of the region’s rich food culture, where meat dishes are often cooked with local vegetables and served hot from the oven.

What cut of lamb is best for Belen Tava?

Belen Tava is usually made with boneless lamb cut into bite-sized chunks, using pieces suited to slow, moist cooking. Ask a butcher for a stewing cut; very lean pieces can dry out before the vegetables and meat juices meld.

Can you make Belen Tava with beef instead of lamb?

Yes, Belen Tava can be made with beef, though lamb is the traditional choice. Use a beef cut suitable for braising and cook it until tender; the flavor will be less characteristically rich than the lamb version.

What vegetables are used in Belen Tava?

Belen Tava commonly includes tomatoes, green peppers, onion, and garlic alongside the meat. The tomatoes release moisture as they bake, while the peppers and onion soften; some household versions adjust the vegetable mix or seasoning.

How is Belen Tava different from Turkish tray kebab?

Belen Tava is generally made with chunks of lamb baked with vegetables, while Turkish tray kebab is commonly made from seasoned minced meat shaped or spread in a tray. Their textures and preparation differ even though both are oven dishes.

What should you serve with Belen Tava?

Serve Belen Tava with rice, bulgur, or crusty bread to go with its savory cooking juices. A crisp salad or plain yogurt makes a refreshing contrast to the rich lamb and softened vegetables.

How do you keep the lamb in Belen Tava tender?

To keep the lamb in Belen Tava tender, choose a braising-friendly cut and let it cook until soft rather than removing it as soon as it browns. Covering the tray helps retain moisture; add a little water if the tray becomes dry.

Can you reheat leftover Belen Tava?

Yes, leftover Belen Tava reheats well. Refrigerate it in a covered container once cooled, then warm it until hot throughout; adding a splash of water can help loosen the juices if they have thickened.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026