Balkan Manteles

Ingredients

In this Balkan adaptation of Mancha manteles, we incorporate traditional Balkan ingredients and spices to create a unique fusion dish. While the original Mexican version uses ingredients like plantains and pineapple, we replace them with Balkan vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes. Additionally, we infuse the stew with Balkan spices such as paprika and cumin, giving it a distinct Balkan flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Mancha manteles, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced 2 bell peppers, diced
• 3 tomatoes, chopped 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon flour
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the beef or pork cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the meat and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and red wine. Stir in the tomato paste.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
7. 7.
   In a separate small bowl, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew to thicken the sauce.
8. 8.
   Cook for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens.
9. 9.
   Serve the Balkan Manteles hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or pork — Choose lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Bell peppers — Use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
• Tomatoes — If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Paprika — Opt for Hungarian paprika for a more authentic Balkan flavor.
• Red wine — Choose a dry red wine that complements the flavors of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve Balkan Manteles with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and delicious meal.
• Feel free to add other Balkan vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve Balkan Manteles with a side of Balkan-style rice or mashed potatoes.

Serving advice

Serve Balkan Manteles in deep bowls, allowing the rich sauce to envelop the meat and vegetables. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Accompany the stew with a slice of crusty Balkan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

Present Balkan Manteles in a rustic-style ceramic or cast-iron pot to showcase its hearty nature. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and tomatoes will create an appetizing visual appeal. Place a sprig of fresh parsley on top of the stew for an elegant touch.