Turlitava
Turlitava is a traditional Macedonian dish, a hearty and flavorful vegetable and meat stew baked in an earthenware pot. It's known for its rich combination of seasonal vegetables and tender meat, creating a comforting and colorful meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pork or beef, cut into cubes
- 500 g Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 300 g Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium Eggplant, cubed
- 1 medium Zucchini, cubed
- 2 medium Green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 150 g Okra, trimmed
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 5 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 200 ml Tomato sauce
- 200 ml Water
- 1 tbsp Vegetable seasoning (like Vegeta)
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Dried parsley
- 50 ml Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). If using meat, lightly brown it in a pan with a little oil.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. - 2
Prepare all vegetables: wash, peel (if necessary), and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place the meat (if using) and all the prepared vegetables into a large earthenware pot or a deep oven-safe dish.
- 3
Add the tomato sauce, water, vegetable seasoning, paprika, black pepper, bay leaves, and dried parsley. Drizzle with olive oil. Stir everything gently to combine.
- 4
Cover the pot with a lid or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour at 200°C (390°F).
- 5
Reduce the oven temperature to 170°C (330°F) and continue baking for another hour.
- 6
About 10 minutes before the end of cooking, add the okra (if using). Stir gently and continue baking.
- 7
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using an earthenware pot enhances the traditional flavor and texture.
- ✓The vegetables can be adjusted based on seasonality and preference. Other common additions include green beans or mushrooms.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the variety of vegetables.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add green beans or mushrooms along with other vegetables.
- Use chicken or lamb instead of pork or beef.