Tava Krapit
by
Gjon Dukgilaj
A traditional and hearty Northern Albanian fish stew layered with complex flavors.
Tava Krapit is a dish from Shkodër, since its main ingredient, carp, is endemic to the Lake Shkodër.
This is a dish that we are very proud of, and it represents one aspect of Northern Albanian Cuisine. Ju bëftë mirë!
- Level
Intermediate
- Cooking
1h+
- Overral
2h+
- Ready
Steak Carp
1½kgRed Onion
½kgCherry Tomato
250gTomato Paste
3tbspGarlic
10 clovesDried Bay Leaf
6Wild Dried Apple
½ cupPrune
5Dried Oregano
2 pinchesExtra Virgin Olive Oil
4tbspBlack Pepper Powder
½tspSalt
to tasteWater
½l
Equipment
Charcoal
Steak Carp
1½kgRed Onion
½kgCherry Tomato
250gTomato Paste
3tbspGarlic
10 clovesDried Bay Leaf
6Wild Dried Apple
½ cupPrune
5Dried Oregano
2 pinchesExtra Virgin Olive Oil
4tbspBlack Pepper Powder
½tspSalt
to tasteWater
½l
Equipment
Charcoal
Tava Krapit
Gjon Dukgilaj
Peel and slice ½kg of red onions
Peel and slice 10 garlic cloves
Halve 250g of cherry tomatoes
Cut 5 prunes into small pieces
Warm a pan over high heat. Add 2tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and the red onion. Cook until soft and browned
Add the garlic, stir, and cook until tender
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until soft
Add 3tbsp of tomato paste and 6 dried bay leaves
Add salt to taste and cook for 10m to draw out the flavors
Add the prunes and stir
Add ½cup of dried wild apples and ½tsp of black pepper powder
Add 2 pinches of dried oregano and ½L of water
Simmer on medium-low heat for 20m until the tomatoes are broken down and the sauce is thick
Remove from the heat. The dried-fruit stew base is ready
Season 1 ½kg of carp steaks with salt to taste
Add 2tbsp of extra virgin olive oil to pan over medium-high heat. Pan roast the carp steaks until light brown on the bottom
Flip the carp and cook until light brown on the bottom. Remove from the pan
Add the dried-fruit stew to a dish over a lit charcoal grill on medium heat. Add the carp to the stew
Cover the pan and add charcoal on top. Simmer for 30m until the sauce thickens and the fish is fully cooked
The tava krapit is ready to be served. Enjoy!