Dalmatian Gastronomic Specialities

Dalmatian cuisine has a Mediterranean flavour, which reflects geography, history and culture. Traditional Dalmatian ingredients include various types of fish, shells, crabs, octopus, squid, cattle-fish, olives, olive oil, vegetables, wild herbs, almonds, figs, grapes, honey, raisins and citrus fruits. Due to its ingredients and preparation, Croatian cuisine meets all medical and nutritional recommendations for a healthy and well-balanced diet.

Dalmatian specialities

Fish

Fish is prepared in several ways. Fish "na gradele" are grilled fish where particular attention is paid to the type of wood used to make the fire and to the adding of aromatic herbs. The fish is cleaned, salted, oiled, and basted with rosemary soaked in olive oil. The grilled fish are then covered with finely grated parsley, garlic and oil, and is served with vegetables or salad. Fish "na leso" are fish boiled in water containing oil, wine vinegar, onions, laurel, peppercorn and salt. This extremely light and low caloric dish, ideal for supper, is served with boiled potatoes, Swiss chard or cabbage salad.

Scampi and Shells

Mussels, oysters and scampi are prepared "na buzaru" in Dalmatia. They are placed in a pot and covered with grated parsley, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, wine and oil. They are left on the fire in their juices until their shells open. They are served in their own juices with bread or polenta.

Meat Specialities

Pašticada is a stewed beef dish cooked in gravy sauce. It is usually served with gnocchi or wide noodles and Parmesan cheese. The Dalmatian smoked ham (pršut) is dried in the "bura" (north-eastern wind) and is served with cheese and olives. "Janjetina ispod peke" -Roast lamb garnished with Mediterranean herbs served with fresh salad.

Desserts

Dalmatian desserts are made with fruit, dried figs, honey, raisins, almonds, eggs and liqueur. Some of them, such as "rozata" and "fritule" can only be found in Dalmatia. "Rozata" is made with eggs, milk and caramel, and is very popular in Southern Dalmatia. "Fritule" are made with dough, raisins and liqueur, shaped into plum-sized balls and fried in hot oil. "Krostule", similar to "fritule", can be found on certain islands. They are made with the same dough but are formed into long strips by skilled cooks and then fried in hot oil.

Wine

Dalmatian wines, known since ancient times, are produced from autochthonous varieties of grapes. A photograph of the picturesque vineyard close to Primošten, where the autochthonous grape variety used to produce the "Babic" red wine grows, can be found in the lobby of the United Nations building. In northern Dalmatia you will be served "Babic", "Merlot" and the rose "Opol" produced in Sibenik vineyards.

Top quality red wines

Postup
Faros
Babic
Dingac

Liqueurs and Spirits

Rakija-hard liquor similar to brandy
Travarica - with herbs
Sljivovica- plum
Lozovaca - grapes
Kruskovac - pears
Drenovac- cherries
Pelinkovac-Bitter liqueur
Orahovac -Walnut

Croatian beer

Ozujsko pivo
Karlovacko pivo