Main Course

A creative twist on the classic Istarski Ombolo, incorporating smoked pork belly for added depth and a hint of sweetness from apples to balance the tartness of the sauerkraut. This variation offers a more complex flavor profile.

Pork loin (ombolo) · Smoked pork belly · Sauerkraut (kiseli kupus) · Onion

A simplified and faster version of the traditional dish, using pre-sliced pork and quicker braising techniques. This version retains the core flavors of pork and sauerkraut but is more suitable for a weeknight meal.

Pork loin, thinly sliced · Sauerkraut, pre-shredded · Onion, thinly sliced · Garlic, minced

A classic Istrian dish featuring slow-cooked pork loin (ombolo) braised with sauerkraut (kiseli kupus), seasoned with traditional Istrian spices. This hearty meal is a staple of Istrian cuisine, known for its rich flavors and comforting nature.

Pork loin (ombolo) · Sauerkraut (kiseli kupus) · Onion · Garlic

A vibrant variation of the classic, incorporating colorful Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes alongside squid and potatoes for a more complete and visually appealing meal.

Squid (cleaned) · Potatoes · Bell peppers (mixed colors) · Cherry tomatoes

A simplified and quicker version of the classic, using pre-cut potatoes or baby potatoes that cook faster, and minimal seasoning for a weeknight-friendly meal.

Squid (cleaned and pre-cut) · Baby potatoes (halved or quartered) · Garlic · Olive oil

A traditional Croatian dish featuring tender squid baked with potatoes, garlic, white wine, and herbs in the oven. This is a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a family dinner.

Squid (cleaned) · Potatoes · Garlic · White wine

A popular Dalmatian preparation where squid is cooked in a flavorful sauce of white wine, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, often served with crusty bread for dipping. While not stuffed, it's a closely related and beloved Adriatic squid dish.

Squid · Garlic · White wine · Canned chopped tomatoes

Classic Croatian stuffed squid, a beloved Adriatic specialty. Tender squid bodies are filled with a savory mixture of their own tentacles, pancetta, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then simmered in a rich tomato and white wine sauce.

Squid · Pancetta · Breadcrumbs · Garlic

A whole fish, such as sea bream or sea bass, is encased in a thick crust of coarse salt and herbs, then baked. The salt crust steams the fish, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful, with a delicate aroma. The crust is cracked open at the table for a dramatic presentation.

Whole sea bream or sea bass · Coarse sea salt · Egg whites · Fresh rosemary sprigs

A regional twist featuring sea bream baked with potatoes, infused with rosemary, garlic, white wine, and the briny addition of Kalamata olives.

Sea Bream · Potatoes · Garlic · Rosemary

A faster version using pan-seared sea bream fillets served alongside quick-cooking, pan-fried potatoes seasoned with lemon and herbs.

Sea Bream Fillets · Baby Potatoes · Garlic · Parsley

A classic and simple preparation of sea bream baked with potatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil, highlighting the fresh flavors of the fish and vegetables.

Sea Bream · Potatoes · Garlic · Rosemary

A regional variation from Istria, this Bakalar s Krumpirom incorporates the briny depth of anchovies and a generous amount of fresh herbs, offering a more complex and aromatic profile.

Salt cod (bacalhau) · Potatoes · Onions · Garlic

A simplified and quicker version of the classic, using fresh cod and pre-cooked potatoes to reduce cooking time while retaining the essential flavors.

Fresh cod fillets · Pre-cooked potatoes (boiled or roasted) · Onions · Garlic

A traditional and beloved Croatian dish featuring salt cod slowly simmered with potatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, creating a rich and flavorful one-pot meal.

Salt cod (bacalhau) · Potatoes · Onions · Garlic

A traditional Dalmatian dish featuring dried salted cod simmered in a rich tomato and onion sauce, seasoned with garlic and herbs. This is the quintessential 'bakalar na crveno'.

Dried salted cod (bakalar) · Olive oil · Onions · Garlic

A lighter, regional variation from Istria, featuring cod cooked in a white sauce with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, served with creamy polenta.

Dried cod (baccalà) · Polenta (cornmeal) · Garlic · White wine

A simplified version of the classic, using pre-soaked or fresh cod for a faster preparation time.

Fresh cod fillets · Instant polenta · Onion · Garlic

A traditional Istrian dish featuring creamy polenta served with a rich, slow-cooked cod stew.

Dried cod (baccalà) · Polenta (cornmeal) · Onions · Garlic

A regional variation incorporating smoked pork (like pancetta or smoked bacon) into the goulash for an added depth of smoky flavor, served with a slightly firmer polenta.

Beef chuck · Smoked pork belly (pancetta) · Onions · Garlic