- Cuisine Serbian
- Course Side
- Prep 15 min
- Cook 20 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried white beans (great northern or tetovac), soaked overnight
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 dried red chili or a pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
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Shop the clean pantry
Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.
What you'll need
- Half-sheet pan — The workhorse of roasting vegetables — get two so one is always clean.
- Parchment paper (unbleached) — No non-stick spray needed; compostable.
- Oven thermometer — Most ovens run 25°F off — this tells you the actual temperature.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans, place them in a large pot with the bay leaves and fresh water to cover by 2 inches, and simmer until tender, 45–60 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid; discard the bay leaves.
- Meanwhile, heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook the sliced onions, stirring often, until soft and deeply golden, 20–25 minutes.
- Stir the garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili (if using) into the onions and cook 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the beans and onions in a deep baking dish, beginning with beans and ending with onions, then pour the reserved cooking liquid over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is browned and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Let rest 10 minutes and serve warm.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the spelt flour with an equal amount of certified gluten-free almond flour or buckwheat flour.
How do I keep them from falling apart during searing?
Ensure the cheese is well-mashed with the eggs before adding flour; the proteins in the egg act as a binder for the cheese.
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