Bosanski Lonac

There's no better way to kick off this Bosnian culinary guide than with bosanki lonac, Bosnia and Herzegovina's national dish. It's also known as "Bosnian pot," and it's a traditional vegetable stew that's been served in Bosnia and Herzegovina for generations. The ingredients of this popular Bosnian cuisine vary significantly from cook to cook and region to region, but it usually includes a mix of veggies and meat chunks. Bell peppers, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, and parsley are some of the most regularly utilized veggies. Meats other than beef, lamb, and veal can be used, however the most popular are beef, lamb, and veal.

Bosnian pot is a dish that is liked by people from all walks of life in the country. Wealthy Bosnians eat it with extra meat and other expensive components, whilst less affluent Bosnians cook it with whatever they have on hand. It was traditionally cooked in clay pots over an open fire or buried in a pit underground, but nowadays it's more typical to cook it in a stovetop pot.

Ingredients

• 2-3 teaspoon oil, 1 yellow onion diced, 2-3 garlic cloves whole peeled and pressed, 2 pounds beef stew chunks diced, 3 carrots large, diced, ½ pound green beans cut into 1 inch pieces, 3 yellow potatoes large, diced, 3 to matoes large, skinned and diced, or 8oz can, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Put the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the onion, garlic, and beef stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes. You can add a little water here and there to keep it simmering.
• Lower the temperature to medium, add carrots and continue simmering. Every few minutes add another ingredient: green beans, then potatoes, then tomatoes and sugar, all while adding a little bit of water in between.
• By this time the meat has been simmering for about 30 minutes, and vegetables a little less. Add 3-4 cups of water (so it covers the ingredients, plus a little more). Add salt and pepper. Mix. Cover with lid, leaving a little bit uncovered. Lower the temperature to low, and leave to cook for 90 minutes.