Lunch Recipes

Hearty bean dish cooked with smoked meat and spices, a staple lunch across the region. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) 400 g dried white beans (or 2 cans, drained) 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 carrot, diced 1 bay leaf 1–2 smoked sausages or smoked ribs 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp paprika Salt and black pepper, to taste 1–1.2 L water or broth Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste Fresh parsley for garnish Preparation Soak the beans (if using dried): Soak overnight in col

Layered dish with potatoes, minced meat, and egg-based topping, baked until golden. Ingredients (Serves 6) For the eggplant layer: 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise Salt Olive oil for frying or brushing For the meat sauce: 500 g ground lamb or beef 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 400 g canned chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but traditional) Salt and black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp olive oil For the béchamel to

Balkan-style grilled meat patty, often served with bread, onions, and kajmak. Ingredients (Serves 4) 600 g ground beef or beef-pork mix 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp baking soda (optional, for tenderness) Salt and black pepper, to taste 1–2 tbsp sparkling water or cold water For serving: Lepinja or flatbread Ajvar or kajmak Sliced onions Optional: cheese, lettuce, tomatoes Preparation Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, combine ground m

Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked and commonly served for lunch. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) 1 large jar or head of fermented/sour cabbage leaves 500 g ground pork, beef, or a mixture 100 g rice 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 egg (optional) 1 tsp paprika Salt and black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp vegetable oil For cooking: 500 ml beef or vegetable broth 2 tbsp tomato paste or passata Bay leaf (optional) Smoked bacon or ribs (optional, f