What to eat in Croatia?

31.07.2023, 1232

Gastronomic travel

What to eat in Croatia?

Croatian cuisine is rich in a variety of flavors and traditional dishes that reflect the history and culture of this country.

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Here are some of the popular dishes to try in Croatia:

1. Zagorski shtrukli

This is a traditional culinary dish characteristic of the Croatian Zagorje region. Shtrukli are peculiar pies or dumplings made of thin dough, which are usually filled with various ingredients. The most common fillings for shtrukli include cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese, eggs and potatoes. You can also find sweet versions filled with apples, cherries or other fruits. Once cooked, shtrukli are usually baked in the oven or pan-fried in butter. They are served with grated cheese and sour cream, which adds a special flavor and texture to the dish.

2. Maneshtra

Maneshtra is a traditional soup that has a long history in Croatian culinary culture. It is often served at festive and family events. Its recipe may vary slightly with some ingredients in different regions of the country. Maneshtra is based on cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions and tomatoes that are cooked together with beans or barley until thick and flavorful. Traditionally, this soup is cooked over a low heat to allow the ingredients to combine well and bring out their flavors.

3. Truffles

Truffles are some of the most precious mushrooms in the world, and Croatia is one of the famous regions where they grow. The main types of truffles that can be found in Croatia are white truffles and black truffles. White truffles, often referred to as "white gold", have an intense aroma and sweetish flavor. Black truffles have a less intense flavor than white truffles, but they are nevertheless a precious ingredient for many dishes. Croatian truffles are used in a variety of gastronomic dishes. Truffle pastas and sauces are popular choices in restaurants. Truffles are also often used in meat dishes, pasta, risotto, salads and even desserts.

4. Brodette

This is one of the most popular fish dishes in Croatia, especially in coastal regions such as Dalmatia and Istria. Brodette is made of various types of fresh fish and seafood such as sea bass, cod, bay, squid, mussels and others, which are cooked in tomato sauce. Apart from tomatoes, brodette usually includes onions, garlic, olive oil, various herbs and spices that add a richness of flavor. Some regions may add local specific ingredients to brodette, making it unique and special to the area. Brodette is traditionally served with polenta or couscous, allowing the aroma and flavor of the sauce to soak into the side dish.

5. Pashtitsada

Pashtitsada is one of the most popular and important dishes of Croatian cuisine, often served at festive and family gatherings. The main component of pashtitsada is beef, which is thoroughly stewed in a flavorful tomato sauce with the addition of various seasonings and spices. Usually the sauce also contains onions, carrots, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary and other herbs. Braising is done over low heat, allowing the meat to soak up the sauce and become incredibly tender and juicy. When the pashtitsada is ready, it is served with a side dish of nests of pasta, which gives the dish a special charm and uniqueness.

6. Dalmatian pasta

This is a typical and popular dish that embodies the simplicity and flavor of the Mediterranean cuisine characteristic of the Dalmatia region in Croatia. The main ingredients of this pasta are fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and various herbs such as basil, rosemary and oregano. Traditionally, these ingredients are stewed together over low heat to create an aromatic tomato sauce with a rich flavor. Dalmatian pasta is usually served with pasta such as spaghetti, macaroni or penne. When serving, fresh parmesan or other soft cheese is usually added as an extra flavor accent.

7. Prshuta

This is an air-dried ham, which is made from fresh pork, carefully treated with a salt solution and subjected to a drying and maturing process in the wind and sun. The maturation process can take several months, during which time the meat develops a distinctive flavor, losing excess moisture and acquiring its characteristic aromatic richness. Montenegrin Prshuta delights with its rich flavor and excellent balance of softness and tenderness. It is often served sliced thin and is usually accompanied by cheese, butter and bread.

8. Chevapchichi

Chevapchichi is one of the most famous and favorite dishes in Croatia, which is also popular in other countries of the Balkan Peninsula. Traditionally, chevapchichi are made from a mixture of fine minced pork, beef and/or lamb, which they carefully shape into small rolls. They are then grilled, which makes them juicy and flavorful. Grilling usually gives chevapchichi a light crispy crust, which gives them a special charm. Chevapchichi are usually served together with onions, sour cream, fresh tomatoes and flatbread. Variations in preparation and serving may vary from region to region.

9. Kremshnita

Kremshnita is an icon of Croatian pastry culture. Kremshnita consists of several layers of delicate puff pastry that is filled with vanilla cream based on milk, eggs and sugar. Each layer of pastry gives the dessert a light crunchy texture, while the cream gives it a delicate and rich flavor. Traditionally, the top layer of creme fraiche is covered with a layer of powder or caramel crumbs, which adds visual appeal to the dessert.

10. Seafood

Well, how can you do without them! Seafood is a treasure of Croatian gastronomy. The shores of the Adriatic Sea are rich in a variety of fish and seafood such as prawns, squid, lobsters, mussels, sea bass and much more. Local restaurants and tavernas offer a wide range of seafood dishes, from simple grilled recipes to exquisite sea specialties with herbs and olive oil. Whether you're on the coast or in the city, Croatia's seafood is sure to captivate your sense of taste and leave you with vivid impressions of this beautiful country's culinary heritage.