Fusion Gašprec: A Harmonious Blend of Slovenian and Global Flavors

Ingredients

In this fusion adaptation, we incorporate global flavors and ingredients to enhance the traditional Slovenian Gašprec. The addition of spices like cumin and coriander, along with sun-dried tomatoes and olives, infuses the dish with a Mediterranean twist. A splash of soy sauce adds umami, creating a harmonious blend of flavors from different cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Gašprec, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into chunks 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (235ml) water 1 cup (235ml) water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup (60g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) pitted olives, sliced 1/4 cup (40g) pitted olives, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, red bell pepper, and tomatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the soy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
8. 8.
   Serve the Fusion Gašprec hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef suitable for stewing, such as chuck or stewing beef. Trim any excess fat before cutting it into chunks.
• Sun-dried tomatoes — If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them well before chopping.
• Olives — Use your preferred variety of olives, such as Kalamata or green olives. Make sure to remove the pits and slice them before adding to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef chunks in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile of your Fusion Gašprec. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist or a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Mediterranean touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Fusion Gašprec in deep bowls, allowing the rich broth to surround the tender beef and vegetables. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of Fusion Gašprec with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or clay pots to enhance the cozy and comforting feel of the dish.