Bosanski Lonac sa Ovčetinom
A hearty and flavorful slow-cooked stew featuring tender lamb and a medley of seasonal vegetables, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Beef stew meat(cut into large chunks)
- 2 medium Yellow onions(quartered)
- 4 whole Garlic cloves(peeled)
- 3 large Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 4 large Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 1 head Cabbage(small, cut into 8-10 pieces)
- 3 large Tomatoes(skinned and diced)
- 2 medium Green bell peppers(cut into chunks)
- 200 g Green beans(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 100 g Peas(fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 2 Bay leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and beef chunks and brown them on all sides. This may need to be done in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the stew. - 2
Add the quartered onions and whole garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
- 3
Layer the diced carrots, potatoes, cabbage pieces, diced tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, green beans, and peas on top of the meat.
💡 Tip: Layering the vegetables helps them cook evenly. - 4
Season generously with salt and black pepper. Add the bay leaves.
💡 Tip: Seasoning between layers ensures flavor distribution. - 5
Add just enough water to come up to the level of the vegetables, but not completely cover them. The meat and vegetables will release their own juices during cooking.
💡 Tip: Using less liquid concentrates the flavors. - 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for at least 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender meat and melded flavors. - 7
Stir occasionally, checking the liquid level and adding a little more water if it seems too dry. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking. - 8
Serve hot, traditionally with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
💡 Tip: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fattier cuts of meat with some bones for richer flavor.
- ✓The variety of vegetables can be adapted based on seasonality.
- ✓A traditional clay pot can be used for even slower and more even cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- A small amount of tomato paste can be added for extra depth.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.