Šporki Makaruli: Dubrovnik’s “Dirty Macaroni” Beef Ragù
Home Šporki makaruli, often translated as “dirty macaroni,” carries a name that sounds playful, yet the dish tells a precise story about Dubrovnik’s social customs, feast days, and careful thrift in the kitchen. In the old Republic of Ragusa, households prepared a generous meat ragù for the Feast of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint. […]
Octopus “Pod Pekom” – Slow-Baked Octopus Under the Bell
Home Hobotnica ispod peke (octopus under the peka) is a time-honored Dalmatian dish, often reserved for special gatherings because of the spectacular cooking method and tender result. “Peka” refers to a large, domed metal lid (similar to a bell) used for slow roasting over coals. In home kitchens without a wood-fire, the effect is emulated […]
Đuveč (Hırvat Sebzeli Güveç)
Home Đuveč (pronounced “duvetch”) is a classic Balkan vegetable bake, often described as a robust vegetable stew or casserole. Loved throughout Croatia, it celebrates seasonal produce by slowly cooking a mix of summer vegetables together. In rural tradition, Đuveč is made without meat, allowing the flavors of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and zucchini to meld into […]
Sataraš (Hırvat Biber ve Domates Güveci)
Home Sataraš is a beloved summer vegetable stew popular throughout Croatia and the Balkans. It is made with ripe tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and onions simmered together until meltingly tender. The result has a gentle, comforting sweetness reminiscent of Hungarian lecsó or Turkish menemen. For many Croatians, sataraš evokes memories of home cooking: simple ingredients […]
Mlinci (Hırvat Kavrulmuş Yassı Ekmek)
Home Mlinci is a unique Croatian side dish of thin, oven-baked flatbread sheets that are torn into pieces and soaked in savory roast juices. It is a time-honored accompaniment to roast poultry (especially turkey or chicken) in Croatia. Traditionally, after carving a roast, the juices are poured over the broken mlinci so the bread soaks […]
Dalmaçya Balık Çorbası
Home Dalmatian fish soup is a warm, comforting broth from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It celebrates the bounty of the Adriatic Sea, combining fresh white-fleshed fish with aromatic vegetables in a clear, golden stock. This soulful soup is often enjoyed as the first course of a coastal meal, followed by the steamed fish it […]
Zlevanka – Kuzey Hırvatistan Mısır Unu Kek
Home Zlevanka (also called zlijevka, zlevka or bazlamača) is a humble cornmeal cake deeply rooted in the traditions of northern Croatia. It comes from regions like Međimurje, Hrvatsko Zagorje and Podravina, and even parts of Slovenia. Once considered a simple “peasant” dish, zlevanka has become a nostalgic comfort food and even a beloved childhood dessert. […]
Bučnica (Tatlı) – Hırvat Balkabağı-Peynirli Turta
Home Bučnica is a traditional pastry from continental Croatia, especially popular in regions like Slavonia and Zagreb. Its name comes from buča, the Croatian word for pumpkin or squash. This dish is essentially a strudel or pie with a filling of grated summer squash or pumpkin blended with cottage cheese (skuta or quark) and eggs. […]
Hırvat Hilal Ruloları (Varaždin Klipići)
Home Varaždinski klipići (pronounced kla-pee-chee) are legendary buttery crescent-shaped rolls named for the city of Varaždin in northern Croatia. Known as “Varaždin rolls,” this tender yeasted pastry is so special that it has Protected Geographic Indication status in Croatia. Klipići are made from an enriched dough of wheat flour, milk, oil, and fresh yeast. Unlike […]
Ayı Pençesi Kurabiyeleri
Home Bear’s paw cookies, known as medvjeđa šapa in Croatian, are a cherished shortbread-like treat shaped in tiny paw prints. Generations of Croatian bakers prepare them during the holidays, filling the air with the aroma of ground walnuts, butter, and warm spices. These dense, crumbly cookies are dusted generously with powdered sugar after baking, which […]
