Balšića Tava - Montenegrin Meat and Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cubed
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, sliced 2 onions, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, sliced 4 tomatoes, sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the beef, lamb, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. 2.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Layer the potatoes, tomatoes, seared meat, sautéed onions, and bell peppers in a large baking dish. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef and Lamb — Choose cuts that are suitable for slow cooking, such as stewing beef and lamb shoulder. Trim excess fat before cubing for a leaner dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability.

Serving advice

Serve Balšića Tava hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the casserole before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the dish.