Turlitava

Prepare your seasonal vegetables and legumes by washing, peeling, and chopping them into large, even chunks. Soak any dried beans overnight, then drain and rinse them before use.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large earthenware or oven-safe casserole dish with cooking oil.

Layer the prepared vegetables and pre-soaked beans into the casserole dish, distributing them evenly throughout. Drizzle generously with cooking oil to ensure the ingredients are well coated.

Season the layered vegetables and beans with paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting quantities to taste. Gently toss or stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Add enough water to the casserole dish to just barely cover the ingredients, ensuring the stew will have sufficient liquid during baking. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes, checking occasionally and adding small amounts of water if the stew begins to dry out.

Remove the lid or foil for the final 20 minutes of cooking to allow the top to caramelize and develop a rich, golden color.

Remove the turlitava from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm directly from the casserole dish as a main or side course.