Tavche Gravche
A beloved national dish of North Macedonia, Tavche Gravche is a hearty and flavorful baked bean casserole, typically made with white beans, onions, garlic, peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices, all baked in a traditional clay pot.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans (e.g., Tetovac or Cannellini)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 100 ml Vegetable oil or sunflower oil
- as needed Water or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried savory (čubar)
- 1/2 tsp Dried mint
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- for garnish Fresh parsley(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the dried beans overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain and rinse them thoroughly.
💡 Tip: Soaking helps beans cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. - 2
Boil the soaked beans in fresh water until tender but not mushy, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Drain, reserving about 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
- 3
While beans are boiling, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, chopped red and green bell peppers to the pan. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until peppers are tender.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- 6
Add the cooked beans to the pan with the vegetables. Season with salt, black pepper, dried savory, dried mint, and red pepper flakes (if using).
💡 Tip: Adjust seasonings to your preference. - 7
Pour in enough reserved bean cooking liquid (or water/broth) to almost cover the beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
💡 Tip: A traditional clay pot (tavče) is ideal for baking, but a deep oven-safe dish will also work. - 9
Transfer the bean mixture to the clay pot or oven-safe dish. Ensure the beans are in a single layer as much as possible.
💡 Tip: If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more reserved liquid. - 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the sauce has thickened.
- 11
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
💡 Tip: Serve with fresh bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using Tetovac beans, a variety common in North Macedonia, will yield the most authentic flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the beans in the initial boiling stage; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- ✓The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Some recipes include a small amount of chopped bacon or pancetta for added richness.