Čomlek od Manastir/Bitola (Braised Veal/Beef with Whole Shallots & Prunes in Wine) – Authentic North Macedonia Recipe

Bitola specialty slow-simmering tender meat with whole sweet shallots and garlic cloves until caramelized.

Country of Origin
🇲🇰 North Macedonia (Southern Europe, Europe)
Dietary Profile
omnivore
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Signature Staples
Tender beef cubes, Whole peeled shallots/pearl onions, Sweet prunes and garlic cloves, Red wine, Sweet paprika

Ingredients for Čomlek od Manastir/Bitola (Braised Veal/Beef with Whole Shallots & Prunes in Wine) (4 Servings)

  • 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender beef cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups whole peeled shallots/pearl onions, washed and trimmed
  • 1 cup sweet prunes and garlic cloves
  • 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with red wine
  • 1.5 tbsp traditional North Macedonia seasoning (sweet paprika, allspice, bay leaf)
  • 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown tender beef cubes for 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced onion, garlic, red wine, and sweet paprika, allspice, bay leaf, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
  3. Add whole peeled shallots/pearl onions and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
  4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
  5. Stir in sweet prunes and garlic cloves right before serving warm.

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