Tavče Gravče

Tavče Gravče Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Macedonia

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 12 hours | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tavče Gravče is a traditional Macedonian dish made with white beans, onions, bell peppers, and a variety of spices. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Macedonian cuisine and is often enjoyed as a main course.

History

Tavče Gravče has been a popular dish in Macedonia for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The dish is believed to have been influenced by Turkish and Balkan cuisines, and has since become a beloved comfort food in the region.

Ingredients

500 g of white beans
1 onion
1 red bell pepper
100 ml of cooking oil
2 – 3 pieces of red dried chili peppers
pepper, salt, plain flour, parsley, mint

How to prepare

Wash the beans and soak them in water overnight.
Next, cook the beans in boiling water until tender, then drain them.
In a separate pot, add half of the chopped onion and capsicum to the beans.
Continue cooking until the beans are soft but still intact.
If there is excess water, drain it from the beans.
In a frying pan, sauté the remaining half of the chopped onion and paprika with one tablespoon of plain flour in cooking oil.
Add this mixture to the beans.
Transfer everything to a pottery saucepan and sprinkle parsley, mint, pepper, and salt over it.
Place the saucepan in the oven and bake for a while, ensuring the beans do not become too dry.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer flavor.
Include smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Top with crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.

- Be sure to cook the beans until they are soft but still intact to ensure the dish has the right consistency.

- Adding a mixture of onion, bell pepper, and flour to the beans helps to thicken the sauce and enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Baking the dish in a pottery saucepan helps to infuse the flavors and create a delicious crust on top.

Serving Suggestions

Tavče Gravče is traditionally served with a side of fresh bread or salad.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight

- Boiling the beans until tender

- Sautéing the onions and bell peppers

- Baking the dish in a pottery saucepan

Ingredient Substitutions

Cannellini beans can be used instead of white beans.

- Green bell peppers can be used instead of red bell peppers.

- Olive oil can be used instead of cooking oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Tavče Gravče can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tavče Gravče in individual pottery dishes for a rustic and authentic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tavče Gravče pairs well with a glass of Macedonian red wine or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tavče Gravče contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tavče Gravče contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tavče Gravče contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tavče Gravče contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tavče Gravče is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Tavče Gravče is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with gluten and lactose intolerances.

Summary

Tavče Gravče is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tavče Gravče is a delicious and nutritious Macedonian dish made with white beans, onions, bell peppers, and a variety of spices. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year.

How did I get this recipe?

. It was a warm summer day in my small village in Macedonia, and I was visiting my neighbor, Marija, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma of spices and vegetables simmering on the stove.

Marija greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to sit down at her kitchen table. She was busy chopping onions and peppers, and I watched with awe as she effortlessly prepared the ingredients for a dish I had never seen before - Tavče Gravče.

"What is that you're making, Marija?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"This is Tavče Gravče, a traditional Macedonian dish made with beans and vegetables," she explained. "It's one of my family's favorite meals, and I would be happy to show you how to make it."

I eagerly accepted her offer and spent the rest of the afternoon learning the ins and outs of preparing Tavče Gravče. Marija shared with me that the key to a delicious dish was in the quality of the ingredients and the slow cooking process. She taught me how to properly soak and cook the beans, how to sauté the onions and peppers until they were caramelized and fragrant, and how to layer the ingredients in a clay pot before baking it in the oven.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Marija shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. She reminisced about the times she spent in her grandmother's kitchen, learning the art of Macedonian cooking and the importance of preserving tradition.

By the time the Tavče Gravče was ready to be served, I was filled with pride and excitement. The dish looked and smelled amazing, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. Marija served us each a generous portion, and as I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, to a time when food was more than just sustenance - it was a connection to my roots and my heritage.

From that day on, Tavče Gravče became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for my family and friends, sharing the recipe and the stories that came with it. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a sense of gratitude towards Marija for teaching me how to make it and for passing down a piece of Macedonian culture to me.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it my own. But no matter how many times I make Tavče Gravče, it always reminds me of that summer day in Marija's kitchen, where I learned not just how to cook a delicious meal, but also the importance of preserving tradition and connecting with my past through food.

And so, whenever I make Tavče Gravče now, I do it with love and gratitude, knowing that I am carrying on a legacy that was passed down to me by a kind and generous neighbor who taught me so much more than just a recipe.