Bosnian pot is your typical Balkan stew overflowing with vegetables and meat. You know how each region has a certain saying like "an apple a day," etc.? Well in the Balkans the saying goes you should eat something with a spoon each day. So get your spoons out!
My friends often can’t understand why I start dinner with (usually chicken) soup. Most only eat chicken soup when sick. As for me, I’m so used to having it before dinner, the rest of the meal feels dry if I don’t. This is why I love stews; they’re practically a whole meal in a soup. Add some homemade bread plus sour cream, and I’ll take it over cake any day.
Bosnian Pot Stew (Bosanski Lonac) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 teaspoon oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves whole peeled and pressed
- 2 pounds beef stew chunks diced
- 3 carrots large, diced
- ½ pound green beans cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 yellow potatoes large, diced
- 3 to matoes large, skinned and diced, or 8oz can
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Put the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the onion, garlic, and beef stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes. You can add a little water here and there to keep it simmering.
- Lower the temperature to medium, add carrots and continue simmering. Every few minutes add another ingredient: green beans, then potatoes, then tomatoes and sugar, all while adding a little bit of water in between.
- By this time the meat has been simmering for about 30 minutes, and vegetables a little less. Add 3-4 cups of water (so it covers the ingredients, plus a little more). Add salt and pepper. Mix. Cover with lid, leaving a little bit uncovered. Lower the temperature to low, and leave to cook for 90 minutes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Ashley says
I'm all about the hearty stews this time of the year - looks wonderful!
aida says
Thanks Ashley! 'Tis the season for comfort food.
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
I love stews this time of year and this one looks absolutely amazing!
aida says
Kelley, welcome! Thanks. It's the perfect time for some comfort food. 🙂
Michaell @ Foodscape says
I love love LOVE stew! My husband would love this since you don't do the typical mirepoix with celery. Using green beans is a perfect choice I never would've thought of! Thanks for adding to my dinner possibilities. This will certainly become a regular at our dinner table!
aida says
I'm glad to hear that! Celery is great, but it does take stews in its own direction. Let me know how it turns out if you do it.
Anil Philip says
By garlic clove, do you mean one flake, or the entire pod? Also no chilli pepper?
Aida says
One little garlic clove as opposed to the whole garlic head. (I haven't heard the term flake before.) No chili pepper. Chili is not used too much in the Balkan cuisine, except in some dishes including the beans.
Marc says
Hello Chef!
Kind thanks for this family stew.
I have a question however: you do not mention herbs or spices. Can you suggest any traditional options? I would be very grateful.
Aida says
Hello Marc!
Traditionally, Balkan food doesn't really utilize many spices and herbs. Usually it comes down to salt, pepper, parsley, and sometimes Vegeta (which is a brand name for this mix of different herbs and spices akin to seasoned salt). For pizza there is also oregano, and basil for some other dishes. But yes, people are not too adventurous in the spice dept here.
mito says
Remember Bosnian pot without meat....
Was not funny, nor tasty...
Aida says
Luckily I can say I never tried it with no meat 🙂
ana says
recipe looks good, I've seen people put tomato paste and add ajvar as well. what do you think?
Aida says
Sure, why not! We're all about adjusting the taste until you find the one you like.