Gastronomy

Meat delicacies of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County: Explore the rich offer of fantastic dishes

They may not be as popular as fish dishes, but meat delicacies from southern Croatia hold some of the most authentic flavours of our region. Their history spans generations who have been combining locally sourced ingredients and applying traditional methods of preparation, making them an essential part of a gastronomy tour of the south.

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of gastronomy in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County are fish and seafood, but there are numerous meat delicacies which show that southern Croatia has an excellent offer for meat lovers as well; namely, several amazing dishes whose recipes have been passed down from one generation to the next for decades. These meat dishes combine the finest locally-sourced ingredients with traditional methods of preparation, leading to amazing results sure to satisfy even the biggest gourmands.

Which meat dishes are the most popular?

All the dishes have rich flavours, and among the most popular are the green menestra, sporchi (dirty) macaroni, and meat roasted under the peka.

The green menestra is prepared in several ways, which means that every village has their own recipe. What they all have in common is a centuries old tradition as one of the most popular dishes of the Dubrovnik nobility. The green menestra is always on the menu at Christmas, but it is also prepared for various celebrations. It’s special because it is made from various kids of greens (collard greens, kale, cabbage) and several types of meat, including cured pork, sheep and homemade cured sausage. Here are the recipes for two versions of the green menestra: one from Dubrovnik and one from Konavle, where menestra is presumed to have originated.

Another local dish popular particularly in colder, winter days are the sporchi macaroni. This is a pasta dish with meat sauce, a delicacy traditionally prepared for the Saint Blaise festivities. Even though it’s considered a festive dish, it is always a welcome guest at the dining table, and its recipe has been passed down from one generation to the next for centuries. There is an interesting story attached to its name. The most sought-after part of the dish is, of course, the sauce, because it contains meat. Once the meat sauce is gone, the guests who are the last ones at the meal only get to eat the remaining pasta – macaroni stained with some leftover sauce, making them “dirty”.

Although the islands are primarily known for their fish specialties, we have to mention Korčula and their unique dish, the škopčevina, made with the meat of a castrated male goat. It was considered a poor man’s food a long time ago, and now it’s a popular tradition.

Another interesting and very popular dish is the kopun (rooster), a poultry delicacy which has been a part of the local gastronomy for centuries. It is an essential part of any dining table around the holidays and important family gatherings, and it is popular among tourists as it brings a dose of tradition and authenticity to the table. The kopun is juicy and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and it owes its rich flavour to high-quality meat and a marinade made with a mixture of spices, herbs and oil.

Last, but not least, one of the most authentic and most popular dishes – the peka. The tradition of roasted meat is especially popular around the holidays, but it is prepared throughout the year. The types of meat used most often are veal, suckling pig and lamb, combined with potatoes and other vegetables, such as carrots, peppers, onion, garlic… This isn’t a quick meal, as the roasting lasts several hours, but it is well worth the wait because the finished product is a juicy cut of meat with crispy potatoes and aromatic vegetables.

These various meat dishes prove that meat-lovers are sure to find something for themselves, even though fish dishes are more popular, making our region an excellent spot for adventures in gastronomy.

Irresistible desserts from southern Croatia you shouldn’t skip

No meal is complete without a sweet bite, so the renowned savoury delicacies of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County also need their “finale” in the form of dessert. It is often said that calories don’t count on vacation and that dessert goes straight to the heart, which is bound to happen if you try some of the sweet treats from Dubrovnik.

What all of the desserts from the Dubrovnik-Neretva region have in common is the way they are prepared – locally-sourced ingredients and traditional techniques are used in all of them, and they are all part of a rich tradition dating back centuries. This is why these desserts are so much more than a sweet end to a meal – their flavours tell authentic stories of this unique corner of the Mediterranean, and our cuisine is highly diverse. Desserts are dominated by distinctive ingredients, such as oranges and almonds, giving them a specific flavour and texture. They are guaranteed to be a culinary delight fit for even the most demanding taste buds, and at the same time they are a piece of a tremendous heritage.

Desserts characteristic of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County

All dessert stories begin with the rozata, a creamy custard cake reminiscent of pudding. This culinary symbol is a staple at many restaurants in Dubrovnik, and you only need a bit of skill and precision to recreate it at home.

If you want to take a piece of your southern holiday home with you, you can’t go wrong with arancini. As their name suggests, they are usually made with oranges, but they are just as delicious if you use the rind of some other citrus fruit, such as lemons or grapefruit. The refreshing arancini are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be a wonderful souvenir – a bag filled with the distinctive flavour of the rich culinary tradition of southern Croatia.

Dried figs are another fruity dessert with a long-standing tradition in local cuisine. They are sun-dried, allowing them to retain their inherent sweetness and juiciness, and they can be enjoyed as-is, or combined with nuts, honey and cheese, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. A bag of dried figs is also a great souvenir for any foodie in your life.

If you were to ask locals for some dessert recommendations, you would definitely hear the name krokant. Another part of our tradition, it is special because you only need three ingredients to make it – sugar, peeled almonds and water. Krokant may be simple to make, but its flavour is delightfully rich. Almonds guarantee an opulent taste, and just like the arancini, this dessert is the ideal pairing for a cup of your favourite hot beverage. It is also popular as a sweet souvenir because every box of krokant, available in many sweet shops and food stores, makes it possible for our visitors to relive their holiday for a long time.

Should you venture outside of the city, you’re sure to find even more unique desserts. When it comes to somewhat unusual, but extremely delicious, recipes, look no further than the Ston cake with makaruli, where the main role is played by – macaroni. This atypical ingredient is what gives the cake its specific texture, and anyone who tries it is surprised by its flavour. The macaroni, or makaruli, is paired with traditional ingredients from the region – almonds, walnuts, lemons, … This dessert is typical for Pelješac, but it is enjoyed in the entire Dubrovnik-Neretva region.

Cake fans will be happy to hear of another lovely dessert – the padišpanj or sponge cake, which pairs wonderfully with prošek. This cake dates back to ancient times, and its special for its simplicity, as it requires only three very “ordinary” ingredients – eggs, sugar and flour. The cake is most often served at weddings, and it was brought to southern Croatia by sailors from Spain.

If you want to taste the true aromas of the island of Korčula, make sure you try the lumblija, one of the traditional island cakes. Walnuts, almonds, raisins, lemon, orange and various spices all come together to give it its traditional flavour, while the special ingredient is varenik, a reduced wine must characteristic of the old times, when it was used as a sweetener.

Desserts from southern Croatia vary greatly – from the rich delicacies with countless ingredients, to the equally delicious bites made with only three or four ingredients. One such dessert is the kotonjata, a sweet jelly made with quince, sugar and lemons. Once cooled, it has a distinct sweetness, and it is reminiscent of the tradition and wealth of the local flavours.

We have included only some of the dishes typical for the cuisine of the Dubrovnik-Neretva region. One thing is for sure: once you try one of these desserts, you won’t stop there. The sweet traditional flavours and the authentic stories behind each of them will be calling your name!

Why is olive oil more than just an ingredient? It is a symbol of tradition, history and health, and is a popular souvenir

Precious, opulent, healthy, indigenous… Just a few adjectives to describe olive oil, an essential part of the gastronomy in the Dubrovnik-Neretva region. The olive is a valued produce in itself and it has had a place at local dining tables since ancient times, making it an invaluable part of the heritage in these areas.

Before we start talking about olive oil as an unbelievable link between nature and humanity, and a very popular portion of the tourist offer today, it is important to mention all of its health benefits. Olive oil is at the very centre of the Mediterranean diet, also called the “golden standard for the heart”, as it is balanced and beneficial for the body. There is a wide range of benefits to consuming olive oil, such as the fact that it is rich in healthy fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, and consuming it in moderation you can achieve various health benefits – from your digestive tract, to your immune system and your heart.

The olive and olive oil are a symbol of dedication, effort and hard work

Throughout the centuries, olive oil has become more than just a healthy addition to food. Today it is distinctive symbol of the Dubrovnik-Neretva region, with a long history of production, whose reputation goes beyond being just a food product. Olive oil tells stories of history and tradition, as its production in this region is deeply rooted in the lives of the local people. This dedication of olive growers, their love of the fruit borne by the olive tree, is ingrained in every single drop of this oil.

Away from the kitchen and the dining table, the unique properties of olive oil have been long-known to visitors to the south of Croatia, making it an important part of the tourist offer. Even though it is not a dessert, it’s clear that the “sweetest” part of every meal is dipping bread in olive oil when starting your meal, as it is the perfect way to taste it in all of its glory.

Our visitors enjoy the rich taste, and they want to know more about the story behind our olive oil. The story of the origins of olive oil, where carefully harvested olives are later processed in oil mills, is highly requested by many visitors.

If you have ever participated in an olive harvest, you know it’s about more than just harvesting. The days of harvest are eagerly anticipated, carefully prepared, and they are when families and friends come together. Olive harvesting is always accompanied by a sense of togetherness, laughter and delicious food, making it an important part of tradition and family heritage. This activity connects generations as every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, has their own task. Olive harvesting may be a tedious task, but nobody sees it as such since it is a way of preserving tradition and making special memories. Our visitors can now make these memories themselves. This is possible thanks to numerous local producers whose family history includes olive oil production, so tastings, visits to olive groves, and first-hand experience are now an essential part of the tourist offer in our region.

Olive oil tastings are an excellent way to get some insight into the fascinating world of olive growing. It shows that every drop of oil made from different olive varieties tells a unique story, and a visit to an olive grove is a wonderful way to experience the process behind producing this “liquid gold”, as olive oil is fondly known. Gorgeous and resplendent golden shades and the rich aroma of olive oil will take your taste buds on a unique journey.

Professionals are happy to share some small secrets for using olive oil in your kitchen every day. These valuable pieces of advice will be the most cherished souvenir from your holiday, and if you’d prefer something more “tangible”, there’s no better gift than a bottle of olive oil. That way you can take home a bit of the indigenous aromas of our region and enjoy its benefits for a long time. Just one bottle is enough to encompass our culture, our most amazing aromas and the most authentic memory of your visit to this special place.