Tavë Gjakovare (Gjakova Spicy Tomato, Pepper & Garlic Braised Meat Skillet) – Authentic Kosovo Recipe
From historic Gjakova: a bubbling terracotta casserole of tender meat, sweet peppers, and spicy tomato sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇽🇰 Kosovo (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Tender beef or veal cubes, Sweet red and green peppers, Ripe plum tomatoes, Crushed red chili, Garlic
Ingredients for Tavë Gjakovare (Gjakova Spicy Tomato, Pepper & Garlic Braised Meat Skillet) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender beef or veal cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups sweet red and green peppers, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup ripe plum tomatoes
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with crushed red chili
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Kosovo seasoning (garlic, paprika, flat-leaf parsley)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, crushed red chili, and garlic, paprika, flat-leaf parsley for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine tender beef or veal cubes and sweet red and green peppers with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with ripe plum tomatoes and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.