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A Tasty Beefy Dish
Albanian Tavë Me Presh or Albanian Baked Leeks with Beef is a traditional Albanian dish that is usually prepared during special occasions such as weddings or family gatherings. This dish is made with fresh leeks, ground beef, and a variety of spices that give it a unique flavour.
Preparing the Tave me Presh
To make Albanian Tavë Me Presh, first, the leeks are cleaned and chopped into small pieces. Then, the ground beef is cooked with onion, garlic, and tomato sauce until it is browned. The leeks are added to the beef mixture and cooked until they are tender. After that, the mixture is transferred to a baking dish and topped with a mixture of eggs, yogurt, and flour.
Baking the Tave me Presh
The dish is then baked in the oven until it is golden brown and the egg mixture has set. Once it is done, it is served hot with a side of Albanian bread or rice.
A Hearty and Delicious Dish
Albanian Tavë Me Presh is a hearty and delicious dish that is loved by many. It is a perfect combination of flavours and textures that will leave you wanting more. If you are looking to try something new and delicious, then this is the dish for you.
Ingredients:
2 lb leeks (mostly white parts)
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup beef stock
Vegetable oil
Salt
Pepper
Method:
- Sauté the leeks in a little oil for 8-10 minutes. Lay on baking dish.
- Sauté the onion in a little oil until translucent. Add ground beef and continue to cook for a few minutes.
- Add the beef stock, tomato sauce, red bell pepper, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Pour the meat mixture over the leeks.
- Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350F/180C for at least 1 hour. You can leave in the oven for another 10-15 minutes if you prefer the dish more consistent with a little less sauce.
Recommended Wine for Albanian Tavë Me Presh
Albanian Tavë Me Presh (a leek and meat casserole) is a comforting and flavourful dish with delicate yet earthy notes, usually featuring lamb or beef as the primary protein. The dish’s simplicity, highlighted by the sweetness of leeks and a rich, tomato-based sauce, calls for a wine that complements rather than overpowers it. Here are some wine recommendations to pair with it:
Red Wine Pairings
Merlot
A medium-bodied Merlot with soft tannins complements the tender meat and sweet leeks without overwhelming the dish. Look for a fruity yet slightly earthy Merlot from France (Bordeaux) or Albania’s native Merlots from the Berat region.
Cabernet Franc
This wine’s herbal and red berry notes enhance the dish’s tomato base and bring out the natural flavours of the leeks.
Pinot Noir
Light and aromatic, a Pinot Noir brings red fruit and earthy undertones that pair beautifully with the subtle sweetness of leeks and the umami from the meat.
Vranac
A Balkan red wine with robust but not overpowering tannins, this native grape variety from Montenegro and Kosovo offers excellent balance for Tavë Me Presh.
White Wine Pairings
Albanian Shesh i Bardhë
A local white wine known for its bright acidity and floral notes, perfect for pairing with traditional Albanian fare.
Chardonnay (Unoaked)
A clean and crisp Chardonnay without oak aging complements the dish’s light flavours and balances the tomato acidity.
Rosé Pairings
Dry Rosé
A Provence-style dry rosé with its red berry notes and refreshing acidity bridges the gap between the dish’s meaty richness and the delicate leeks.
Other Considerations
If you’re hosting, consider offering a sparkling wine (like a dry Prosecco or Cava) to cleanse the palate with its lively bubbles.
For a hyper-local experience, try an Albanian red like Shesh i Zi, which pairs well with hearty yet simple dishes like Tavë Me Presh.
