Ghivetch (Bulgarian:гювеч,[ɟuˈvɛtʃ],Romanian:ghiveci,[ɡivet͡ʃʲ],Turkish:güveç,Serbo-Croatian:đuveč /ђувеч[ˈd͡ʑǔʋɛt͡ʃ],Macedonian:ѓувеч,[ˈɟuvɛtʃ]) is a traditionalBalkan autumn vegetable stew most closely associated withMoldova, where it is anational dish. It is traditionally cooked in an earthenware pot called agüveç. It is often made only with vegetables, though some versions include meat, fish, or poultry. TheWashington Post in 1985 called it "one of the world's great vegetable melanges".Mimi Sheraton called it "really the last word in vegetable stews".
Ghivetch is known throughout theBalkans as a traditional autumn vegetable stew, but it is most closely associated withMoldova andBulgaria.[1][2] It is a national dish of Moldova, where it is calledghiveci.[3] It is a dish eaten byDanube Swabians.[4]
Ghivetch is often made only with vegetables, sometimes as many as 40, but versions exist that include meat, fish, poultry and dairy.[1][2] In the Western Balkans it is often consumed with rice.
Mimi Sheraton, writing in theWall Street Journal, described it as traditionally including "some pleasing pucker" from the inclusion of grape leaves or other sour ingredients such assour salt, andpaprika, either hot or sweet.[2]
Traditionally the stew is prepared in a clay pot called agüveç, duvech,[5] or gyuvech;[citation needed] inGreece the pot is called yiouvetsi.[5] According toPaula Wolfert the pot is "beloved for its ability to impart a great earthy taste and aroma".[5] Traditionally the dish is assembled at home, then taken to a local bakery, and delivered to the customer by a delivery boy wearing a cushion on his head.[5] Truck delivery has replaced the delivery boys.[5] Some specialty bakeries allow customers to order ghivetch to be assembled by the bakery rather than by the customer at home; customers return the empty pot to the bakery.[5]
Ghivetch can be served hot or cold.[2] It is sometimes pureed.[2] It is often garnished with sour cream or yogurt.[2]
TheWashington Post in 1985 called it "one of the world's great vegetable melanges", along withBuddha's delight,ratatouille, andmoussaka.[1]The New York Times in 1977 specifically distinguished it as one of the mixed-vegetable stews characteristic of various cuisines.[6] Sheraton called it "really the last word in vegetable stews" and included it in her book1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die.[6][7]