Bosanski Lonac (Traditional Bosnian Claypot Beef, Potato, Pepper & Cabbage Stew) – Authentic Bosnia and Herzegovina Recipe
Centuries-old Bosnian hearth stew slow-simmered in layers with whole garlic cloves and aromatic vegetables.
- Country of Origin
- 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Cubed beef chuck, Waxy potatoes and carrots, Sweet bell peppers, Whole black peppercorns, Garlic cloves
Ingredients for Bosanski Lonac (Traditional Bosnian Claypot Beef, Potato, Pepper & Cabbage Stew) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) cubed beef chuck, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups waxy potatoes and carrots, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup sweet bell peppers
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with whole black peppercorns
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Bosnia and Herzegovina seasoning (garlic cloves, bay leaf, sweet paprika, parsley)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and whole black peppercorns for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in garlic cloves, bay leaf, sweet paprika, parsley and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Bosnia and Herzegovina's kitchen.
- Add cubed beef chuck and waxy potatoes and carrots, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
- Fold in sweet bell peppers, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.