Indulge in the flavors of Kosovo with Tavë Dheu, a traditional dish that marries mixed vegetables and tender meat, all baked to perfection in a rustic clay pot. This hearty ensemble of seasonal vegetables, such as peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, harmonizes with succulent cuts of lamb or beef, seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The clay pot, an emblem of traditional Balkan cooking, lends a distinct earthy essence to the dish as it simmers in its own savory juices. Savor Kosovo's culinary heritage with each wholesome bite of Tavë Dheu, a delightful centerpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients:

- 500g lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 onions, thinly sliced

- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 eggplant, sliced into rounds

- 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds

- 4-5 potatoes, peeled and sliced

- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Olive oil

- 1 cup water or broth

Instructions:

1- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- Sauté the Meat: In a large skillet or pot, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant. Add the meat pieces and brown them on all sides.

3- Season the Meat: Season the meat with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for a few minutes until the meat is partially cooked.

4- Layer the Vegetables: In a large clay pot or baking dish, start layering the vegetables. Begin with a layer of potatoes at the bottom, followed by a layer of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the vegetables.

5- Add the Meat: Spread the partially cooked meat over the vegetable layers.

6- Top with Tomatoes: Scatter the chopped tomatoes over the meat layer.

7- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the remaining vegetables - potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers - seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.

8- Add Water or Broth: Pour a cup of water or broth into the clay pot. This will help create steam and cook the vegetables.

9- Cover and Bake: Cover the clay pot or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the vegetables and meat are tender and fully cooked.

10- Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Tavë Dheu hot, scooping out portions of vegetables and meat with some of the delicious cooking juices.

Enjoy your homemade Kosovo Tavë Dheu, a flavorful dish perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Nutritional Values :

ingredients and portion sizes:

Here are the nutritional details and benefits for the ingredients:

Lamb (500g):

- Calories:Approximately 1100 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 100g

- Fat:Approximately 75g

- Carbohydrates:Negligible

Benefits:

- Protein:Supports muscle growth and repair.

- Iron & Zinc:Boosts immunity and supports red blood cell production.

- B Vitamins:Aid in energy metabolism and overall health.

Potatoes (4-5 medium-sized):

- Calories:Approximately 400-500 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 10g

- Fat:Negligible

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 90-110g

- Fiber:Approximately 10-15g

Benefits:

- Carbohydrates:Provide energy.

- Potassium:Supports nerve and muscle function.

- Vitamin C & Fiber:Aid digestion and boost the immune system.

Eggplant (1 large):

- Calories:Approximately 40-50 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 2g

- Fat:Negligible

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 10-15g

- Fiber:Approximately 5g

Benefits:

- Antioxidants:Help reduce cholesterol and promote heart health.

- Vitamins:Support overall health and digestion.

Zucchini (2 medium-sized):

- Calories:Approximately 50-60 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 3-4g

- Fat:Negligible

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 10-15g

- Fiber:Approximately 3-5g

Benefits:

- Low Calorie:Supports weight management.

- Vitamin C & Potassium:Promote hydration and healthy digestion.

Bell Peppers (2 medium-sized):

- Calories:Approximately 50-60 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 1-2g

- Fat:Negligible

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 10-15g

- Fiber:Approximately 3-4g

Benefits:

- Vitamin C & A:Boost immunity and support eye health.

- Antioxidants:Reduce inflammation and support overall health.

Olive Oil (for cooking):

- Calories:Approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon (15ml)

- Fat:Approximately 14g per tablespoon (mostly healthy monounsaturated fats)

Benefits:

- Healthy Fats:Support heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

- Antioxidants:Provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Tomatoes (2 medium-sized):

- Calories:Approximately 30-40 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 1-2g

- Fat:Negligible

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 5-10g

- Fiber:Approximately 2-3g

Benefits:

- Vitamin C & Lycopene:Support heart health and may reduce cancer risk.

- Potassium:Helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Onion (2 medium-sized):

- Calories:Approximately 40-50 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 1-2g

- Fat:Negligible

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 10-15g

- Fiber:Approximately 2-3g

Benefits:

- Antioxidants:Provide anti-inflammatory effects and support immune function.

- Quercetin:May help regulate blood sugar levels.

Garlic (4-5 cloves:

- Calories:Approximately 20-30 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 1g

- Fat:Negligible

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 5-6g

- Fiber:Approximately 0.5-1g

Benefits:

- Allicin:Boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure, and supports heart health.

Please remember that these are general estimates and the actual nutritional values can vary based on factors like the specific brands of ingredients used, cooking methods, and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, consider using a nutritional calculator or database based on your specific recipe and ingredients. Adjustments can also be made based on dietary preferences or requirements.