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Tavče Gravče (Macedonian Baked Beans)

Name: Tavče Gravče (Macedonian Baked Beans)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 2 h 5 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: North Macedonian
Ingredients: 1½ cups (340 g) dried cannellini or Great Northern beans; 1 yellow onion, halved; 2 bay leaves; 1 dried mild red chile; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 3 tbsp sunflower or olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 1 roasted red pepper, cut into strips; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp sweet paprika; ½ tsp hot paprika, optional; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp dried mint; ½ tsp black pepper; Chopped parsley and crusty bread, for serving

White beans baked with paprika, peppers, onion and a whisper of mint.

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Prep: 25 min
Cook: 2 hr 5 min
Serves: 6
Level: Moderate

Photo by Nenadimitrovski81 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP for web display.

Tavče gravče means “beans in a pan” and is widely regarded as North Macedonia’s national dish. The best version sits between stew and casserole: creamy beneath the surface, lightly crusted around the edges and fragrant with sweet paprika and dried pepper.

Technique notes

Why this approach works

Cooking dried beans first gives control over both tenderness and baking liquid.
A small paprika roux seasons and lightly thickens the casserole.
A wide baking dish creates more of the prized burnished surface.

North Macedonian kitchen

Tavče Gravče (Macedonian Baked Beans)

Traditional-style tavče gravče: North Macedonian white beans baked with paprika, roasted pepper and onion until creamy and crusted.

Ingredients

Beans

1½ cups (340 g) dried cannellini or Great Northern beans
1 yellow onion, halved
2 bay leaves
1 dried mild red chile
1 tsp fine sea salt

Paprika base

3 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
1 roasted red pepper, cut into strips
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp sweet paprika
½ tsp hot paprika, optional
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried mint
½ tsp black pepper
Chopped parsley and crusty bread, for serving

Method

01
Soak and simmer
Soak the beans overnight in plenty of cool water. Drain, then place in a pot with the halved onion, bay and dried chile. Cover with fresh water by 2 inches and simmer gently for 60–75 minutes, until tender but intact. Stir in the salt for the last 10 minutes.
02
Reserve the broth
Drain the beans, reserving 2 cups of cooking liquid. Discard the cooked onion, bay and chile. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
03
Make the paprika base
Heat the oil in a wide ovenproof skillet or casserole. Cook the diced onion for 8 minutes until soft. Add the roasted pepper and garlic for 1 minute. Stir in both paprikas, then immediately stir in the flour. Cook for 30 seconds.
04
Bake until burnished
Fold in the beans, mint, pepper and 1½ cups reserved liquid. Bring to a simmer, then bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes. Add a splash more bean liquid if the center becomes dry before the edges are browned. Rest for 10 minutes and finish with parsley.

Cook’s notes

Tetovac beans are traditional when available; cannellini and Great Northern beans are dependable substitutes.
Paprika scorches quickly. Add the flour and liquid promptly after it hits the pan.
The casserole should thicken as it rests but still be creamy beneath the surface.

Safety & allergens

Review ingredient labels for allergens and cross-contact. Follow the recipe’s handling notes, refrigerate perishable food promptly, and use an instant-read thermometer where a safe internal temperature is specified.

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Good to know

Tavče Gravče questions

Is tavče gravče vegetarian?

The foundational version is meatless and naturally vegan. Some regional and modern versions add sausage, but it is not required.

Can I use canned beans?

Yes. Use three drained 15-ounce cans and 1½ cups unsalted vegetable stock. Begin with the paprika base and bake for about 30 minutes.

What does tavče gravče taste like?

It is earthy, creamy and savory, with sweetness from onions and peppers, warmth from paprika and a subtle herbal lift from dried mint.

Why this approach works

Tavče Gravče (Macedonian Baked Beans)

Ingredients

Beans

Paprika base

Method

Soak and simmer

Reserve the broth

Make the paprika base

Bake until burnished

Cook’s notes

Safety & allergens

Your field notes for Tavče Gravče

Tavče Gravče questions

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