TASQEBAP
Albanian slow cooked beef stew, cooked using a traditional vorba pot
Serves 4 , Ready in 3 hours
Tasqebap cooked in a traditional Albanian pot called a vorba
Tasqebap is my husband’s favourite food and I can see why! It’s such a simple dish but so delicious.
If you have read our article about traditional Albanian vorba cooking pots, you’ll know that’s my go-to when I’m cooking this dish. The distinct smoky flavour that comes from the clay pot into the dish adds a depth of flavour unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before.
If you don’t have a vorba pot then don’t worry, you can always use a casserole dish to create this instead. It will still taste amazing!
Tasqebap, served from a traditional vorba pot
INGREDIENTS
400g Cubed beef (I like using cuts like beef shin for this to get that gorgeous melt in the mouth texture)
1 Onion, finely chopped
3 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 Tin chopped tomatoes
4 Bay Leaves
1 teaspoon oregano
A pinch of chilli flakes
Olive oil
Salt & Pepper
METHOD
Heat a little oil in a your vorba or casserole dish. Add the beef chunks and fry until gently browned on all sides. Remove and set aside for later.
Add the onion, garlic and peppers to the pot and fry until soft. Season well and add the beef back into the pot.
Add the tinned tomatoes, bay leaves and chilli, topping up with a little water to cover the meat.
Simmer on a low heat with the lid on for at least 3 hours until the beef is really tender.
When the meat is ready, remove from the heat and serve hot.