Macedonian Kalja with a Greek Twist

Ingredients

In this Macedonian adaptation of Kalja, we incorporate Greek flavors and ingredients to add a unique twist to the traditional Albanian dish. The addition of Greek herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, and lemon zest infuses the stew with a refreshing and tangy taste. We also use lamb or beef as the meat of choice, which adds a rich and savory element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Kalja, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, diced 2 bell peppers, diced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the lamb or beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the bell peppers, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the potatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb or beef — For a more tender and flavorful meat, marinate it in olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Bell peppers — Roasting the bell peppers before adding them to the stew will enhance their sweetness and add a smoky flavor.
• Potatoes — To prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy, add them to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the Kalja with freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
• Serve the Kalja with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Macedonian Kalja with a Greek Twist in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic broth to surround the tender meat and vegetables. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Kalja with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to add a pop of color to the dish. Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls to enhance the Mediterranean feel.