Tavce Gravce – Baked Beans
Tavce Gravce ranks 2nd in the list of the best foods in north Macedonia with recipe. The closest English equivalent is white bean casserole, but tavce gravce is far superior. Tavce Gravce is just white kidney beans roasted with various veggies on a Tava (local skillet). The main ingredient in tavce gravce is obviously white beans, but the dish also includes a variety of other vegetables and, on the side, sausage or pig ribs. It's an excellent winter and comfort dish, and it's also suitable for vegans and vegetarians (if you choose to prepare it without meat). If you want to order this in a restaurant but are vegetarian/vegan, please sure to check how it's served before ordering.
The old Tavce Gravce recipe involves baking the beans in a wooden oven, and while this lends a unique flavor to the dish, the recipe has been modified to meet the needs of modern people (and their limited time). As shown above, the traditional method of producing Tavce Gravce might take an entire day! If you use canned beans, the preparation time will be greatly reduced, but the taste will not be the same!
Ingredients
- 2 cups white beans - lima beans, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2-3 dry peppers, 3 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, parsley
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in water. After they have been soaked wash them and transfer them to a pot. Cut the onion in circles. Save two peaces of the onion for later and add the rest to the pot. Add the garlic and dry peppers to the pot and cover with water. Cook the beans for 40-50 min or until they are soft.
- Once cooked transfer them to a baking dish, preferably an unglazed earthware dish if possible. Transfer the beans together with the water and add a bit more water to cover them. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley and stir it. Place the onion circles on the top and the cooked dry peppers. Bake in the oven for 1h -1h and a half on 220C / 430F. Once the water has evaporated serve the Tavce Gravce with some soft somun bread and enjoy!
