Podgoricki Popeci
Podgoricki Popeci are a traditional Montenegrin dish originating from the capital city of Podgorica. This dish features a veal steak rolled with cheese, prosciutto (prsut), or kajmak, then deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. It's a rich and flavorful specialty that represents the hearty cuisine of the region.
๐ง Ingredients
- 4 pieces Veal steaks(thinly sliced, about 100g each)
- 100 g Cheese(such as semi-hard Montenegrin cheese, sliced)
- 100 g Prosciutto (Prsut)(thinly sliced)
- 50 g Kajmak(optional, for extra richness)
- 100 g All-purpose flour(for dredging)
- 2 large Eggs(beaten, for egg wash)
- 150 g Breadcrumbs(for coating)
- 200 ml Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
If the veal steaks are not already thin, pound them to about 1/4 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2
Lay a veal steak flat. Place a slice of cheese, a slice of prosciutto, and a small amount of kajmak (if using) on one end of the steak.
- 3
Carefully roll up the veal steak, enclosing the filling. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- 4
Set up a dredging station: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and one plate with breadcrumbs.
- 5
Dredge each rolled veal steak first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- 6
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in.
- 7
Carefully place the breaded popeci into the hot oil and fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the filling is heated through. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- 8
Remove the fried popeci from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 9
Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve hot.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โEnsure the veal is pounded thin for easy rolling and even cooking.
- โUse good quality prosciutto and cheese for the best flavor.
- โFry at the correct temperature to ensure a crispy coating without burning.
- โKajmak is optional but adds a wonderful creamy richness.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a thin slice of mushroom or a sprinkle of herbs inside the roll.
- For a baked version, place breaded popeci in a greased baking dish and bake at 200ยฐC (400ยฐF) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.