Macedonian style baked beans
This tasty baked butter beans with onions is a recipe inspired by the traditional Macedonian dish known as "tavče gravče". Our recipe, even somewhat different from the original, is still entirely delicious and worth tasting.
Known traditionally across the Balkans as Tavče Gravče, these Macedonian-Style Baked Beans represent the pinnacle of cozy European comfort food. Large, velvety butter beans are baked in a thick, smoky tomato and caramelized onion reduction until bubbling and crusty around the edges.
Why This Recipe Works
Slow-reducing generous volumes of onions and garlic in olive oil produces a natural, jammy sweetness that pairs gloriously with robust smoked paprika and savory butter beans. Baking the skillet un-covered in the final stage concentrates flavors and builds a rustic toasted top layer.
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Traditional Earthenware Baking: For authentic flavor and heat retention, bake this dish in a terracotta earthenware dish or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
- Serving advice: Serve hot alongside crusty sourdough bread to mop up every last drop of the fragrant smoky oil and sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 olive oil to cover saucepan base
- 2 kilogramsbrown onions, finely chopped
- 1 kilogramprecooked or canned butter beans
- 2 clovesgarlic, whole
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoonsmoked paprika
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- 1/2 teaspoonground black pepper
- 1 cupwater
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
- Add smoked paprika, salt and black pepper, mix and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add in butter beans and mix.
- Preheat the oven to 180C (356F).
- Move cooked onions and beans mixture into the deep baking pan.
- Add 2 bay leaves and 2 garlic cloves on the top, for the taste (can be removed before serving).
- Add water.
- Bake for about 1 hour.
- Serve as a main dish, optionally with brown rice or with any other side of your choice.