MEMORIES OF MACEDONIA ~ VELEŠKA TAVA {Pork, Beef & Cheese Casserole / Veles Pot}

Veleshka Tava is regional to the City of Veles, and it's surrounding area in Macedonia. Veleshka meaning, of Veles, and Tava is the vessel in which it is cooked. Usually a clay pot, or ceramic casserole dish.
Although the method is rustic, and things don't need to be fancy, the dish itself is rich and is served in fine restaurants and hotels in Veles. The addition of wine and herbs give it a sophisticated flavour, while the cheese adds comfort gooiness that we all love.
With hand on heart, I can say, this is one of the best recipes on my channel, hands down! Try it and you will agree!
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YOU NEED:
500 gr. minced beef
Paprika, salt, pepper, Vegeta, Garlic Granules, Onion Powder, all to taste - for the beef
1/2 kg {500 gr} pork shoulder, cut into bite sized pieces
Salt, pepper, Garlic Granules to taste - for pork
1 large onion, sliced in half moons
5 - 7 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 heaping tbsps. tomato puree, or tomato paste
4 - 5 cups of stock, depending on your need. I used 3/4 pork stock, and 1/4 beef stock. Or use 2 pork bouillon cubes and 1 beef.
salt & pepper to taste, but taste the broth first as there is salt and a lot of flavour in your stock. If you have homemade stock with no salt, add to your taste.
1 glass of red wine
++ wine substitute - 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar ++
2 tbsps. flour, 1 tbsp. water, 1 tbsp. oil for thickening agent
Pinch or 2 of dried Oregano. If using fresh, add 1 tbsp.
3 - 4 Bay Leaves
500 gr. small while whole button mushrooms, cleaned
200 gr. Kashkaval cheese, grated {or mozzarella, provolone, etc.}
1 - 2 tbsps. vegetable oil for frying.