Entree: North Macedonia – Northern Culinary Region – Шопска тавче ➤ Shopska tavche (Baked Macedonian pan casserole of roasted peppers, tomatoes, and white brined cheese)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 25 min

Total 50 min

Ingredients

- 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
- 3 medium red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and chopped
- 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) sirene or feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter for dotting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a shallow baking dish (tava), lightly oil it.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in the roasted chopped peppers and chopped tomatoes; add the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Simmer the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 10–12 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Remove the pan from heat and let cool 3–4 minutes. Stir in half of the crumbled sirene/feta and the beaten eggs until evenly combined.
5. Transfer the vegetable and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Crumble the remaining sirene over the surface and dot with butter if using.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden and set, about 20–25 minutes. If you prefer a browned top, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm with crusty bread or flatbread.