Gjelle Me Zarzavata Albanian Casserole

Dive into the heart of Albanian cuisine with Gjelle Me Zarzavata, a traditional vegetable and meat casserole that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This hearty dish combines tender chunks of beef or lamb with an array of vibrant, nutrient-packed vegetables like carrots, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, all infused with aromatic paprika, oregano, and fresh parsley. Slowly baked to perfection in a rich broth, this casserole develops a golden, caramelized crust that’s irresistibly inviting. Perfect for warming up chilly evenings, Gjelle Me Zarzavata is easy to prepare and serves as a complete, satisfying meal when paired with crusty bread or fluffy rice. This Albanian classic celebrates the simplicity of seasonal produce and the robust flavors of Mediterranean-inspired cooking, making it a standout addition to your family’s dinner rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 medium eggplant
• 1 medium zucchini
• 3 medium tomatoes
• 2 medium bell peppers (red or green)
• 500 grams beef or lamb chunks
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 250 milliliters water or beef stock

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté the onion in the skillet until it becomes translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the beef or lamb chunks to the skillet and brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside.

Step 5

Peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, and eggplant into bite-sized pieces. Slice the zucchini and bell peppers, and dice the tomatoes.

Step 6

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the carrots, potatoes, and eggplant, cooking for about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Layer the browned meat in the bottom of a casserole dish. Arrange the sautéed vegetables, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes on top.

Step 8

Season the layers with paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.

Step 9

Pour the water or beef stock evenly into the casserole dish to keep the ingredients moist while cooking.

Step 10

Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Step 11

Bake for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the dish to develop a golden crust.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Serve Gjelle Me Zarzavata warm with crusty bread or a side of rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2817.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2510.3

Total Fat 147.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.9g
Cholesterol 400mg	0%
Sodium 5325.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 196.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.9g	0%
Total Sugars 71.5g
Protein 127.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 380.9mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 7469.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.5%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 30.0%