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Vegetarian, European

Tavče gravče with cabbage salad

Tavče gravče is a baked dish of white beans with onions, peppers and paprika, served with a cabbage salad. It takes 65 minutes for 4 people, rated easy, at about €1.60 per serving. Success comes from infusing the paprika off the heat and letting the top caramelize in the oven without stirring.

Tonight it's tavče gravče, North Macedonia's national dish, paprika white beans baked in a clay dish.

Tavče gravče with cabbage salad
Total time
1 h 05
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€1.60
Calories per person
510 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall

Tavče gravče is all about texture. The beans turn soft under a paprika crust that forms in the oven, while onions and peppers add a gentle, slightly smoky sweetness. Tomato paste and dried mint build a mellow, fragrant base, nothing spicy, which sets it apart from most bean dishes you know.

It's a weeknight dish that needs few steps but a bit of patience in the oven. It works well on a cold autumn or winter evening, whether you're cooking just for yourself or for the family, and it reheats just as well the next day. The cabbage salad brings the crunch and tang that balance the soft beans.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Canned white beansoften in the pantry 3 can
  • Sweet paprikaoften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Tomato pasteoften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Dried mintoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Vinegaroften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 5 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onions 2
  • Red peppers 2
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • White cabbage 300 g

The step by step recipe

  1. Slice the onions and peppers thinly. Cook them in 3 tablespoons of oil until soft.

    Add the garlic at the end so it doesn't burn.

  2. Turn off the heat, stir in the paprika and tomato paste, and mix for 30 seconds.

    Off the heat, the paprika keeps its color and mild flavor.

  3. Mix in the drained beans with half a glass of water, the mint, salt and pepper.

    Canned beans are already cooked, so you don't need much liquid.

  4. Pour into a clay or baking dish and bake at 200°C until the top is well caramelized. 35 min

    Don't stir, the golden crust is part of the dish.

  5. Thinly slice the cabbage, season it with vinegar, oil and salt, and serve this salad alongside the beans.

    Massage the cabbage with the salt to soften it.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use a wide, shallow baking dish rather than a tall pot, the larger surface against the oven heat gives a more even crust.
  • Drain the canned beans well before adding them, otherwise the dish turns too watery and the crust takes longer to form.
  • If the top browns too fast, cover the dish with foil for the last ten minutes without stopping the baking.

The variations

  • Swap the canned white beans for home cooked dried beans, the texture turns creamier but you'll need to soak them the night before.
  • Add sliced smoked sausage with the onions for a heartier, less vegetarian version.
  • For kids, cut the paprika in half and serve the cabbage salad on the side without vinegar for a milder version.

What to serve it with

  • Crusty bread for dipping
  • Plain yogurt on the side
  • Sparkling water with lemon

Storage

Tavče gravče keeps for 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well without the cabbage salad, for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or in a pan with a splash of water to bring back the softness.

Questions about this dish

Can you make tavče gravče ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step the day before, then bake it just before serving. The crust turns out best when baked right before you eat.

Can you use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, soak them overnight and cook until tender before following the rest of the recipe. It takes more prep time but gives a creamier texture.

Does tavče gravče freeze well?

Yes, without the cabbage salad, for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

What if I don't have a clay baking dish?

A regular glass or ceramic baking dish works just fine. The key is to pick one that's wide enough for the top to caramelize properly.

How long does it take to make a tavče gravče with cabbage salad?

Count 1 h 05 in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a tavče gravče with cabbage salad?

About 510 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a tavče gravče with cabbage salad cost?

About €1.60 per serving, or €6.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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