Family North Macedonian Slow-Cooked Beans Porridge

Assemble the ingredients: beans, cumin, paprika, bay leaf, carrot, olive oil, onion.

Warm oil in a heavy pot. Add the beans and cook until slow-cooked.

Stir in the aromatics and spices — the backbone of North Macedonian flavors.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning; the flavor should deepen as it cooks.

Plate and serve with traditional North Macedonian accompaniments such as bread, rice, or fresh herbs.