Mish me Pruna dhe Qepë (Meat with Prunes and Onions)
A traditional Albanian slow-cooked dish featuring tender meat (often lamb or beef) braised with sweet prunes and savory onions, creating a rich and slightly sweet stew.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder or beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Large onions(sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 250 g Dried prunes(pitted)
- 500 ml Beef broth or water
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the meat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the meat to the pot. Add the pitted prunes, beef broth (or water), bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
- 6
Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish benefits from slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce.
- ✓Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions for a richer sauce.
- A pinch of ground cloves can add another layer of warmth.