4 Foods That Any Balkan Gathering Should Include

• 04 Jul, 2023
• Posted By : Liridon

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Are you organizing a gathering anytime soon for your friends and family, and you’re wondering what to add to the table? Well, wonder no more, we have just the list for you. These 4 dishes will be perfect, whether you serve them as sides or mains. Plus, make sure to visit our Eastern European grocery store for authentic ingredients! 

 1. Cevapi

Balkans love their grilled meats. Lamb, chicken, and beef are some favorites. Balkan sausages like Cevapi are famous meat dishes that you make from ground beef. You hand-molded these sausages, grill them, and serve them as street food. Additionally, many Balkan countries consider them a national dish. Another favorite is kyufte or qofte, similar to meatballs, often made with ground beef and pork and sometimes stuffed with cheese. 

 

Moreover, grilled meats and sausages are typically enjoyed with sides like roasted potatoes and salad, creating a delicious meal.

2. Balkan Pilaf

Balkan pilaf is a rice dish with a mixture of ingredients like meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Additionally, one key element that contributes to the taste and texture of Balkan pilaf is the choice of rice. Many Balkan cooks prefer using a specific variety known as Levidia rice which you can find online. You cook the Levidia rice until each grain is separate and resembles tiny, glistening pearls. The cooking process involves sautéing the rice and then simmering it in salted water until it is barely soft. 

3. Bean Stews

Bean stew, a hearty soup packed with vegetables, seasoned broth, and white beans, is a nutritional powerhouse filled with protein and fiber. However, its healthiness doesn't compromise its taste. Additionally, this delicious stew is easy to make in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Notably, even children enjoy it and it's a beloved classic during cold winter months. In addition, pair it with breadsticks and a salad, and you're ready to indulge. 

4. Balkan Pie

The Balkan pie or pite, is an absolute favorite. The dough is soft, with layers and a mouthwatering filling. It comes in many shapes and sizes, with fillings of many ingredients. 

 

Balkans, have a variety of pies with a variety of fillings. Some of the fillings include:

- Meat 
- Potato 
- Spinach 
- Cheese 
- Pumpkin, etc.

 

To make this, you usually roll the dough out thinly and then layer it with the filling. The result is a golden, flaky crust, creating a contrast of textures.

 

Balkan pies hold a special place in Balkan cuisine and culture. They are popular as a main dish or as a snack and often prepared for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting homemade treat. The art of making Balkan pies has been passed down through generations, with each family having their own unique recipes and techniques.