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Croatia Cuisine

Europe · Southern Europe

54 recipes

Signature Croatia Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

Bakalar na Bijelo

A classic Dalmatian dish, Bakalar na Bijelo is a creamy, cold preparation of salt cod. It's typically served as an appetizer or a light meal, often during Christmas Eve, with crusty bread.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Brodet

Brodet is a traditional Croatian fish stew, particularly popular along the Dalmatian coast. It's characterized by its rich flavor derived from a variety of fish and seafood, slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, tomatoes, and often a touch of wine or vinegar.

Croatia·Medium·50 minutes

Crni Rižot

A striking and flavorful seafood risotto made with squid ink, giving it its characteristic black color and rich, oceanic taste. This dish is a beloved classic along the Croatian coast.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Dalmatian Lamb Stew

A hearty and flavorful lamb stew from the Dalmatian region, featuring tender lamb simmered with vegetables in a rich tomato and white wine broth. This dish is a comforting taste of the Adriatic coast.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Dalmatian Peka with Octopus and Potatoes

A traditional Dalmatian dish where octopus and potatoes are slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid (peka) with herbs and olive oil, resulting in tender octopus and flavorful potatoes.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Dalmatinska Mesna Juha s Povrćem

A hearty and flavorful meat and vegetable soup, typical of Dalmatian cuisine. This soup is rich with tender pieces of meat and a medley of fresh vegetables, often served as a comforting starter or a light main course.

Croatia·Hard·4.5-5.5 hours

Dalmatinska Pašticada s Njokima

A rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef stew, marinated overnight and braised for hours with prunes, figs, and prošek (a sweet dessert wine). Traditionally served with homemade gnocchi.

Croatia·Medium·2.5-3.5 hours

Dalmatinska Peka

Peka is a traditional Croatian one-pot dish, often considered a national treasure, prepared by slow-roasting meat (commonly lamb, veal, or octopus) or seafood with vegetables and potatoes under a bell-shaped lid, buried in embers. This method results in incredibly tender, moist, and aromatic food.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 25 minutes

Dalmatinski Soparnik

A traditional savory pie from the Dalmatian region of Croatia, featuring a filling of Swiss chard, garlic, and olive oil encased in a thin dough. It's often baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a unique smoky flavor.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours 50 minutes (plus soaking)

Grah Varivo

Grah Varivo is a hearty and rustic Croatian bean stew, often considered a peasant dish but beloved by all. It features tender white beans simmered with vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and typically includes smoked meat such as sausage or ribs for a rich, savory flavor.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Gregada

Gregada is a traditional Dalmatian fish stew, originating from the island of Hvar. It's a simple yet flavorful dish made with various white fish, potatoes, onions, garlic, white wine, and olive oil, all slow-cooked to perfection. Unlike other fish stews, Gregada is not typically thickened with tomato or other heavy bases, allowing the delicate flavors of the fish and vegetables to shine through. It's often considered a fisherman's dish, prepared with the catch of the day.

Croatia·Hard·2 hours 30 minutes

Hobotnica ispod Peke

Hobotnica ispod peke, meaning 'octopus under the bell,' is a celebrated Dalmatian dish prepared using a traditional Croatian cooking method. Octopus is slow-cooked with potatoes and vegetables under a dome-shaped lid (peka) covered with hot embers, resulting in incredibly tender octopus and flavorful, aromatic vegetables. This dish is a true culinary experience, often reserved for special occasions.

Croatia·Easy·35 minutes

Hrvatske Fritule

Fritule are small, round, deep-fried pastries, similar to mini doughnuts, that are a traditional Croatian festive treat, especially popular during Christmas and Carnival. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, often flavored with citrus zest, raisins, and a hint of rum or brandy.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Hvarska Gregada

Hvarska Gregada is a traditional Dalmatian fish and potato stew originating from the island of Hvar. It features a delicate poaching of white fish in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, potatoes, and white wine, seasoned with parsley and bay leaves. The key is to gently cook the ingredients without stirring to maintain the integrity of the fish and potatoes.

Croatia·Medium·50 minutes

Hvarska Gregada

A traditional fish and potato stew originating from the island of Hvar. It features a variety of white fish, potatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, simmered gently to create a light yet flavorful broth.

Croatia·Medium·50 minutes

Istarska Fuži s Tartufima

A luxurious pasta dish from the Istrian region of Croatia, featuring handmade fuži pasta tossed in a creamy sauce infused with the earthy aroma of local truffles.

Croatia·Medium·35 minutes

Istarski Fuži s Tartufima

A classic Istrian pasta dish featuring 'fuži' (quill-shaped pasta) served with a rich sauce made from local truffles, cream, and garlic. This dish highlights the prized truffles of the Istrian peninsula.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Istarski Riblji Brudet

A rich and flavorful fish stew from the Istrian region of Croatia, characterized by its aromatic blend of herbs, white wine, and a variety of fresh fish.

Croatia·Medium·45 minutes

Istrian Pljukanci with Truffle Sauce

Pljukanci are a traditional Istrian pasta, hand-rolled into spindle shapes. This dish features them tossed in a rich, earthy sauce made with local truffles, garlic, and cream, offering a taste of Istria's prized culinary ingredient.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Istrian-Style Lamb Leg

A sophisticated Istrian specialty where a lamb leg is seasoned, wrapped in prosciutto and lamb peritoneum, and slow-roasted with aromatic vegetables and white wine, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours 20 minutes

Janjetina Ispod Peke

A quintessential Croatian celebratory dish, lamb is slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid (peka) with potatoes and vegetables, infused with Mediterranean herbs. The traditional method using embers creates a uniquely tender and flavorful lamb with a smoky aroma.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Kokošja juha sa rezancima

A comforting and traditional Croatian chicken soup with homemade noodles, this dish is a staple in many households, often served for Sunday lunches or when someone needs a little extra care. The rich broth is made from a whole chicken and a medley of root vegetables, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 25 minutes

Komiška Pogača

Komiška pogača is a traditional savory pie originating from the town of Komiža on the island of Vis. It features a flavorful filling of anchovies, onions, and tomatoes encased in a rustic bread dough. This dish is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing the simple yet delicious flavors of the Adriatic coast.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Kremšnita

A beloved Croatian dessert originating from Samobor, featuring layers of crisp puff pastry filled with a rich, airy vanilla custard cream and topped with powdered sugar.

Croatia·Easy·30 minutes

Kvarner Scampi na Buzaru

A classic Adriatic seafood dish featuring langoustines (scampi) cooked in a flavorful white wine, garlic, tomato, and parsley sauce. 'Na buzaru' refers to the cooking method.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 50 minutes

Maneštra od bobića

A hearty and flavorful bean and corn soup, a staple in Istrian and Dalmatian cuisine, often enriched with smoked meat.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Maneštra od Kiselog Kupusa

A hearty and flavorful stew from the Istrian region, featuring sauerkraut, smoked pork, beans, and root vegetables. It's a comforting dish perfect for colder weather.

Croatia·Easy·1 hour 10 minutes

Maneštra od Riba

A hearty and flavorful fish soup or stew, particularly popular in coastal regions of Croatia. It's a rustic dish made with various types of fish, vegetables, and often beans or pasta.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes

Paj od Jabuka i Cimeta

A comforting and aromatic apple pie, a popular dessert in Croatia, featuring a flaky crust filled with tender, spiced apples.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours 55 minutes

Pasticada Goulash

A rich and deeply flavored beef goulash, inspired by the traditional Dalmatian Pasticada but adapted into a quicker, stew-like format. Tender beef is slow-cooked in a savory sauce with onions, garlic, and a touch of red wine.

Croatia·Hard·4 hours 30 minutes

Pašticada s Njokima

A rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef dish, Pašticada is a Dalmatian specialty often served with homemade gnocchi. The beef is marinated and braised in a sauce of vegetables, red wine, and prunes, creating a deep, complex flavor.

Croatia·Hard·4 hours 30 minutes

Pasticada s Njokima

A slow-cooked, rich beef roast marinated and braised in a flavorful sauce, traditionally served with homemade gnocchi. This is a classic Dalmatian celebratory dish.

Croatia·Hard·4 hours 30 minutes

Pašticada s Njokima

A rich and flavorful beef roast, slow-cooked in a sweet and sour sauce, traditionally served with homemade gnocchi. This Varaždin variation emphasizes a slightly sweeter profile with dried fruits.

Croatia·Easy·35 minutes

Pastrmka na žaru s povrćem

Grilled trout, a popular dish along Croatia's coast and rivers, seasoned simply and served with grilled seasonal vegetables.

Croatia·Easy·35 minutes

Pastrva s Bademima i Limunom

A light and flavorful dish featuring pan-fried trout, a popular freshwater fish in Croatia, complemented by the nutty crunch of toasted almonds and the zest of lemon. Often served with simple steamed vegetables or potatoes.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours

Piletina ispod peke

Piletina ispod peke (Chicken under the bell) is a quintessential Croatian dish where chicken and vegetables are slow-cooked to perfection under a dome-shaped lid (peka) in a wood-fired oven or embers. This method results in incredibly tender meat and flavorful, roasted vegetables infused with smoky aromas.

Croatia·Medium·2 hours

Punjene Paprike

A classic Croatian comfort food, Punjene Paprike are bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is popular throughout Croatia, enjoyed both inland and along the coast.

Croatia·Medium·3 hours

Purica s Mljincima

A traditional Croatian dish from the Zagorje region, featuring roasted turkey served with mlinci, a type of baked pasta or flatbread that is broken into pieces and softened in the turkey's juices.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour

Ribu na Ribu

A unique and flavorful Dalmatian dish where white fish is cooked in a sauce made from its own roe and other seafood, creating a rich and savory broth. Often served with polenta or bread.

Croatia·Medium·3 hours 30 minutes

Slavonian Čobanac

Čobanac (shepherd's stew) is a hearty, rich meat stew originating from the Slavonia region of Croatia. Traditionally made with a mix of meats (beef, pork, game, or poultry) and flavored generously with paprika, it's a comforting dish perfect for colder days.

Croatia·Hard·3-6 months (curing)

Slavonski Kulen

Slavonski Kulen is a highly prized, dry-cured pork sausage originating from the Slavonia region of Croatia. It's known for its rich, spicy flavor, deep red color, and distinctive aroma, achieved through a meticulous process of seasoning with paprika, garlic, and salt, followed by smoking and long-term air-drying.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Šoparnik

A traditional savory pie from Dalmatia, specifically the Poljica region. Šoparnik is made with a thin dough filled with Swiss chard, garlic, and olive oil, then baked over an open fire or in an oven.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Šoparnik

A traditional savory pie from Dalmatia, particularly the Cetina region, made with a thin dough filled generously with Swiss chard and garlic, then baked until crispy.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Šoparnik Pie

A traditional savory pie from the Dalmatian hinterland, featuring a filling of Swiss chard, garlic, and olive oil encased in a thin, rustic dough. This version is a simplified approach to the classic.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour (plus marinating time)

Srdele na Savor

Srdele na savor, also known as 'sardines in savor,' is a traditional Istrian dish featuring sardines that are lightly fried and then marinated in a flavorful mixture of onions, vinegar, white wine, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a testament to the region's rich culinary history, influenced by Venetian traditions, and is often served as a cold appetizer or a light main course.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Sweet Soparnik with Apples and Walnuts

A delightful sweet variation of the traditional savory Soparnik, featuring a thin dough filled with spiced apples and crunchy walnuts, baked to perfection.

Croatia·Medium·3 hours

Teletina Ispod Peke

A traditional Croatian dish where veal is slow-cooked with vegetables under a bell-shaped lid (peka) over embers, resulting in incredibly tender meat and flavorful vegetables. This method imparts a unique smoky aroma and ensures the ingredients cook in their own juices.

Croatia·Easy·45 minutes

Zagorje Boiled Cheese

A traditional dish from the Zagorje region of northern Croatia, 'kuhani sir' is a simple yet flavorful preparation of boiled cheese, often served with potatoes and a side of sour cream or yogurt. It's a comforting and rustic meal, showcasing the use of local dairy products.

Croatia·Easy·25 minutes

Zagorski Sir i Vrhnje Kuhano

A comforting and rustic dish from the Zagorje region, featuring a creamy mixture of fresh cheese and sour cream, often served as a side or a light meal. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy local dairy products.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Zagorski Stew with Pork and Vegetables

A hearty and rustic stew from the Zagorje region, featuring tender chunks of pork simmered with a variety of seasonal vegetables and seasoned with paprika and herbs.

Croatia·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Zagorski Štrukli

A traditional dish from the Zagorje region of northern Croatia, Zagorski Štrukli are a type of baked or boiled strudel with a cottage cheese filling. They can be served as a savory appetizer or a sweet dessert.

Croatia·Medium·35 minutes

Zagrebački Odrezak

A sophisticated Croatian take on the Viennese schnitzel, this dish features a tender veal or pork cutlet stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried to golden perfection.

Croatia·Easy·45 minutes

Zeleni Žganci

A rustic and hearty dish from the Gorski Kotar region, Zeleni Žganci is a type of polenta made with nettles, giving it a vibrant green color and a unique earthy flavor. It's often served as a side dish or a light meal.

Croatia·Easy·45 minutes

Zeleni Žganci s Kiselim Mlijekom

A rustic and hearty dish from the Zagorje region, featuring cornmeal polenta enriched with greens and served with sour milk. It's a simple yet flavorful peasant staple.

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