Ditch Canned Pork & Beans - Try Tavče Gravče | CulinaryCreationss

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups (300g) Tetovac beans – Purpose: Traditional creamy texture – Best Substitute: Cannellini or large butter beans
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped – Purpose: Sweet aromatic base – Best Substitute: Sweet red onion
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced – Purpose: Pungent aromatics – Best Substitute: ½ tsp garlic powder (less ideal)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced – Purpose: Sweetness, color, texture – Best Substitute: Green or orange bell pepper
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika – Purpose: Signature flavor, color – Best Substitute: Mild Hungarian paprika
• 1/2 tsp hot paprika (optional) – Purpose: Gentle heat – Best Substitute: Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil – Purpose: Frying aromatics – Best Substitute: Sunflower oil (avoid olive oil for tradition)
• 2 cups bean cooking liquid – Purpose: Flavorful base for sauce – Best Substitute: Vegetable broth
• Salt, freshly ground black pepper – Purpose: Essential seasoning – Best Substitute: Kosher salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Purpose: Freshness, color – Best Substitute: Dried parsley (less ideal)
• Quick Notes on Ingredients:
• Why avoid olive oil? Traditionally, Macedonian bean dishes use vegetable or sunflower oil, as olive oil can impart a flavor that isn't typical for Tavče Gravče.
• Canned beans? While convenient, canned beans are pre-cooked and often too soft, changing the essential texture of this dish. For true authenticity, dried beans are recommended.