Bosanski Grah Tepsija
A hearty and flavorful baked bean casserole, this 'Grah Tepsija' is a vegetarian-friendly take on the classic Bosnian bean stew, enriched with caramelized onions, peppers, and a smoky paprika flavor, baked to perfection in a casserole dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans (e.g., cannellini, navy)(soaked overnight and drained)
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp Vegeta (optional)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 Bay leaf
- 4 tbsp Oil (sunflower or vegetable)
- 1 liter Water or vegetable broth(or as needed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a deep baking dish or casserole dish.
- 2
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. This slow caramelization is key to the flavor.
- 3
Add the diced green bell pepper and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the pepper has softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and Vegeta (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 5
Add the soaked and drained beans, tomato paste, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- 6
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy.
- 7
Transfer the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Ensure there's enough liquid to almost cover the beans; add a little more broth or water if needed.
- 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the casserole is bubbling. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- 9
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot. It's traditionally served with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking and better texture.
- ✓Caramelizing the onions slowly is essential for developing a deep, sweet flavor.
- ✓For a non-vegetarian version, you can add smoked meat (like beef sausage or ribs) to the pot during the last hour of simmering.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the bean mixture before baking for a more substantial dish.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving adds a touch of freshness.