Slava Praznična Trpeza
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Pork or lamb, for roasting — 2 kg (4.4 lb)
- Garlic, slivered — 4 cloves
- Olive oil, for the roast — 2 tbsp
- Bell peppers, for stuffing — 8
- Minced meat, for the stuffed peppers — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Rice, for the stuffed peppers — 185 g (6.5 oz)
- Onions, chopped, for the stuffed peppers — 2
- Filo pastry, for zelnik — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Spinach, chopped, for zelnik — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Crumbled sirenje, for zelnik — 200 g (7 oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Make small incisions in the meat and insert the garlic slivers, then rub with olive oil, salt and pepper; roast for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
- For the stuffed peppers, mix the minced meat, rice, onion, salt and pepper, and stuff into the hollowed peppers; simmer in a pot with a little water and tomato for 40–45 minutes until the peppers are tender and the rice cooked.
- For the zelnik, sauté the spinach and combine with the cheese and eggs, layering between buttered filo sheets in a round dish; bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Arrange the roasted meat, stuffed peppers and zelnik together on the festive table for the gathered family to share.
Introduction: A generous festive spread of roasted meat, stuffed peppers and layered pastries, prepared for North Macedonia's family patron saint celebrations.
Cultural Background: Slava, a tradition honouring a family's patron saint, calls for an especially generous table, families gathering to share a feast of the country's most treasured dishes as part of the celebration.
Tips: Prepare the different dishes in stages so everything is ready to serve together for the celebration. Scale up quantities confidently for a large family Slava gathering.
Variations: Add a Macedonian salad and ajvar to round out the festive spread. Include a traditional cake or baklava for dessert.
Storage: Refrigerate each component separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat each dish gently, covered, in an oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through.
FAQs:
Q: What is Slava?
A: A tradition, especially significant in Orthodox Christian families across the Balkans, honouring a family's patron saint with an annual celebratory feast.
Q: How many people does this festive spread serve?
A: This generous combination of dishes is suited to a large family gathering of 10 or more guests.
- Pork or lamb, for roasting — 2 kg (4.4 lb)
- Garlic, slivered — 4 cloves
- Olive oil, for the roast — 2 tbsp
- Bell peppers, for stuffing — 8
- Minced meat, for the stuffed peppers — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Rice, for the stuffed peppers — 185 g (6.5 oz)
- Onions, chopped, for the stuffed peppers — 2
- Filo pastry, for zelnik — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Spinach, chopped, for zelnik — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Crumbled sirenje, for zelnik — 200 g (7 oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
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