Vegeta is a mix of spices and vegetables. It's originated in 1958 in Croaita by Podravka food factory. It's one of the most used spice in Macedonia. It's made of salt, dehydrated vegetables (carrot, onion, celery etc.), sugar and some spices. I really don't know in how many countries it's sold, but I think that maybe you can buy it online.
Zelka Mandza is another winter dish, made from brined cabbage. The name comes from Zelka - cabbage and mandza - stew. It's very delicious but it takes a little more time for preparation.
Recipe:
1 medium brined cabbage (chopped)
water, liquid from the brined cabbage or vegetable soup
200 gr (more or less) smoked meat: ribs,bacon,sausages
2 medium onions (chopped)
sunflower oil
2 tablespoons of flour
1 tablespoon of paprika
bay leaf
salt and pepper
In a hot pot add oil and then fry the onions until soft. Then add the cabbage and simmer it for about 5-10 minutes. Add the smoked meat, bay leaf and add the water or liquid until the cabbage is cover. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low for about hour and a half. Check the pot from time to time and if the liquid has evaporated add more (the cabbage should be covered). After hour and a half the cabbage should be tender. Then in a pan add about 80 gr. oil, then add the flour. Fry it until golden and add the paprika. Pour this into the pot and stir. Add salt and pepper. Cook the cabbage with open lid for about 5 minutes. Enjoy this delicious meal.
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