Vegetarian Albanian Leek Casserole Tave Me Presh
Experience a taste of traditional Balkan cuisine with this Vegetarian Albanian Leek Casserole, or Tave Me Presh. This hearty and comforting dish highlights the natural sweetness of tender leeks, simmered in a rich, herby tomato sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and oregano. A golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, while a garnish of fresh parsley brightens each bite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing vegetarian side, this casserole is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples. Ready in under an hour, it’s a wholesome and flavorful tribute to Albanian home cooking that’s sure to become a new favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 stalks leeks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 250 milliliters vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Trim the leeks by removing the tough green tops and root ends. Slice them into 2-inch pieces, then rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. Transfer them to an oven-safe casserole dish.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Pour the tomato mixture over the leeks in the casserole dish. Use a spoon to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly on top of the casserole to create a crispy topping.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1133 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.8 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 3751 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.7 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.2 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.0 g | ||
| Protein | 21.5 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 599 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 19.8 mg | 110% | |
| Potassium | 2849 mg | 61% | |
*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.
