Tavče Gravče so Klobas
Macedonian Baked Beans with Sausage
A hearty and flavorful Macedonian national dish, Tavče Gravče, is elevated with the addition of savory sausage. This baked bean dish is slow-cooked to perfection in a traditional clay pot, creating a rich and comforting meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans(e.g., Tetovac beans, soaked overnight)
- for soaking and cooking beans Water
- 2 medium Onions(1 finely chopped, 1 quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 300 g Macedonian sausage (klobas)(sliced or crumbled)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 2 tsp Sweet paprika
- 0.5 tsp Hot red pepper flakes(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Dried mint (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with fresh water, add the quartered onion, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans, reserving about 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
💡 Tip: Avoid adding salt during the initial cooking of beans, as it can toughen them. - 2
While beans are cooking, heat oil or lard in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the sliced or crumbled sausage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Stir in the sweet paprika, hot red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and optional dried mint. Cook for another minute.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 5
In an oven-safe dish or a traditional clay pot (tava), combine the cooked beans, the sautéed sausage mixture, and the reserved bean cooking liquid. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: The liquid should almost cover the beans. Add a little more water or broth if needed. - 6
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour.
- 7
Remove the cover and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the flavors have melded. If using a clay pot, you might need to adjust baking time.
💡 Tip: The beans should be tender and the liquid slightly thickened. - 8
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using Macedonian Tetovac beans will give the most authentic flavor.
- ✓If you can't find Macedonian sausage, a good quality smoked pork sausage can be substituted.
- ✓For a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot red pepper flakes.
- ✓A pinch of dried mint adds a unique Macedonian touch.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a sliced tomato or two to the baking dish for extra moisture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.