Tavče Gravče

Tavče Gravče is a Macedonian national dish, but it can be found all over the Balkans, sometimes under other names. It probably originated in the 15th century. It means “bean pot”, whereas the tava describes a traditional unglazed ceramic pot.

Ingredients for 2 servings

• 250 g fresh white beans
• 2 1⁄2 onions
• 1 clove of garlic pressed
• 1⁄2 tbsp paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsp. oil
• 1 tbsp. flour
• Some salt and pepper

Instructions

1. First, the beans are boiled for 5 minutes and then the first water is poured away. Then they are heated again in fresh water until it boils. The stove is turned off and the beans are left in the water for half an hour to swell. Add more water as well as a little salt and pepper and cook the beans for one hour.
2. For the roux, first cut the onions into fine cubes add them in a frying pan and cook together with the garlic, oil, and sugar.
3. Add the flour, mix well and season the roux with paprika.
4. Finally, place the beans in a baking dish or a large pot (ideally unglazed ceramic). Pour the roux over them and mix well, add salt if necessary. Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for 40-50 min.

Enjoy your meal!