Bosnian Cabbage Stew [Bosanski Lonac]

This delicious, belly-warming Bosnian Cabbage Stew recipe loaded with layers of chunky meat and vegetables is a no-stir "Set it and Forget it" kind of meal the whole family will love!

Savor every satisfying mouthful of this heart dish with its melt-in-your-mouth meat and fork-tender veggies, flavored modestly with herbs and spices. Pair this cabbage stew with your favorite homemade bread so you can polish off all that yummy broth!

Making this hearty cabbage stew in an instant pot is a quicker and more modern way of cooking, but the result is still authentically awesome.

📃 Why it Works

• Versatility is one of the best features of this dish that reflects the Balkan and Bosnian culture so eloquently.
• The gist of this Bosnian cabbage stew is to place the meat and vegetables in the pot in alternating layers until full. Then we simmer it for 30 minutes in your instant pot.
• Unlike other dishes that require constant checking and stirring, with this recipe, you leave it untouched until it's done cooking, and it's time to chow.

🤔What is Bosanski Lonac?

Bosnian locals call this savory stew Bosanski Lonac - literally "Bosnian Pot."It is a well-known dish of the Balkan cuisine, and it's considered one of Bosnia's national dishes due to its humble history and the cooking method that gives it depth and richness of flavor!

The traditional way of making this cabbage dish is in a clay or ceramic pot. And during the medieval times, you would see it in a pit or the fireplace.

But don't fret! This recipe does not require a clay pot, nor would you be asked to dig a hole and cook it over the fire! Unless you want to, that is.

It may look like an ordinary stew on the surface, but the taste and texture is anything but! You will encounter several variations of this Bosnian stew out there.

But one thing that has not changed, regardless of regional origin or family recipe, is the use of layered meat chunks and vegetables simmered until all the flavors and juices extract into a flavorful broth!

🛒 Ingredients and Notes

• Meat: Beef and lamb were the usual choices for this dish in Bosnia due to Islamic dietary laws. However, you can also use pork, veal, and poultry products on this dish. I am using pork and beef combo for this recipe to make the broth richer in flavor.
• Cabbage: this recipe uses green cabbage as they are best for stews and braises. Leave the red ones for coleslaws and salads!
• Potatoes: do not use starchy potatoes like Russet, as they will turn into a mushy mess when cooking for long periods or in high pressure. Choose those with medium to low starch content like Yukon gold or round white. 
• Vegeta: It's an all-purpose seasoning made from a unique blend of the finest vegetables, herbs, spices, and select natural ingredients. Vegeta is a staple in the Balkan cuisine, and it's great for seasoning almost any meal. You can use salt or broth if you must.

⏲ Cooking Time

Whether you choose the pit, pressure cooker, stovetop, or slow cooker method, the recipe remains the same, only cooking time will vary: from 30 minutes to 7 hours. The choice is yours.

Cooking this dish the traditional way is well and good- as long as you can allot time and patience to do so.

🔪 Instructions

Instant Pot

If you have used this fantastic piece of a genius invention before, then you know how it can make your life so much easier!

Step 1: Drizzle the bottom of your (at least) 6 quart instant pot with vegetable oil. Add half the cabbage.

Step 2: Place the beef and pork over the cabbage.

Step 3: Layer the chopped onion, tomato, carrot, pepper, and garlic over the meat. Add the bay leaves, tomato paste, paprika, and peppercorns.

Step 4: Top with potato cubes and season with Vegeta or salt.

Step 5: Add the rest of the cabbage; pour in the water or broth.

Step 6: Close the lid and steam valve on the instant pot. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, and then allow the pressure to release naturally.

Dutch Oven

This stovetop option is more commonly used as an alternative because the equipment used are kitchen essentials. If you opt to cook this way, it will take 2-3 hours of cooking time.

1. Follow steps 1 through 5 of the instant pot recipe, but using your Dutch oven.
2. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 2 ½ hours or until meat is tender. Stir only before serving.

Slow Cooker

Put your trusted slow cooker to work as you go about your day.

1. Follow steps 1 through 5 of the instant pot recipe, but using your crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours or until the meat is tender. Stir right before serving.

• This healthy dish is gluten-free and low in carbs, but if you want it keto-friendly, omit the potato.
• Want more veggies? Chopped celery, green beans, and cauliflower florets work well in this recipe.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat when ready. Stews taste better a day or two after cooking!
• If you're replacing water with beef broth, add only ½ teaspoon of salt.
• Instead of whole peppercorns, add ½ teaspoon ground.
• Refrain from adding too many herbs and spices to this dish. Authentic Bosnian cuisine uses these moderately.
• Don't worry if your pot is full to the top - the cabbage will cook down.
• You can pair it with homemade bread, biscuits, or mashed potatoes. Or choose a lighter accompaniment like a green salad.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Instant Pot Beef Stew with Mushrooms and Red Wine
• German Hunter Cabbage Stew
• Swedish Cabbage Casserole
• Lithuanian Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
• Easy Colombian Chicken Stew - Sudado de Pollo
• One-Pot African Chicken and Peanut Stew

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Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in May 2015 and updated in October of 2020 with new photos and recipe tips.