Croatian Self-Catering Holidays: Another Way To Dine And Unwind

Croatia is known for its serenity. Think of the Adriatic's calming shores, flanked by acres upon acres of green vegetation and quaint hillside towns. Take this tranquil sense one step further and rent a self-catering villa so you can prepare a few Croatian treats of your own. 

Making your own food on holiday might not seem like the most exciting idea in the world at first, but in actual fact, it's a great way to soak up foreign cultures and learn new skills you can take back home. On top of that, you'll save a few pounds (or kunas as they say in Croatia) which you can splash on the country's rich range of attractions. Rental company Villa Plus supply many luxury rentals in Croatia and are complete with kitchens made for cooking up a storm.

Here are a few simple local delicacies you can try...





Image by sailn1 under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Lamb Peka

The Dalmatia region boasts a few specialities, but this is a firm favourite with both locals and tourists. Lamb Peka is a sizzling hot pot of vegetables and tender meat, mixed in with rosemary and some olive oil. Rosemary grows throughout the year here, and that's why it's a prominent feature of the dish. After leaving the meats with a selection of garlic, onions, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and courgettes, everything's left to bake for three and a half hours. While this might send you pacing up and down the kitchen or staring impatiently at the cooker, we can assure it's worth every second of the wait.

Aside from the taste of the meats, the best thing about it is that it only uses one pot! Ditch the washing up and spend the rest of the evening soaking up the Croatian sun.


Image by cyclonebill under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Skampi Na Buzaru

Seafood in Croatia is somewhat of a big deal. Why not get down with the locals and make it just like they do? Buzara is a Croatian way of cooking seafood, using white wine, garlic, parsley and a few breadcrumbs. Often tomato paste is added to give the dish some colour, however, this is optional and a lot of Croatians choose not to do so.

Skampi Na Buzaru involves slow cooking either shrimps or mussels in this method and then tucking in with your hands! Not only does this dish look fantastic on the plate, it'll give you an unrivalled taste of the Adriatic's flavours.


Image by stu_spivack under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Punjena Paprika

This is basically stuffed peppers, but with a Croatian twist! Take out the inside of the pepper and fill it with rice and meat, both dressed with a generous dollop of tomato sauce. Chuck it in the oven for an hour or so, then voila - you've got Punjena Paprika!

While this won't be on the menu of all Croatian restaurants, it's popular in many households and is eaten all year round. Enjoy it with a glass of white Croatian wine and some mashed potatoes on the side.

Croatia's blend of juicy sea food and succulent meats has helped to put it on every foodies must-visit list. Get stuck in and bring the flavours back home with you.

* PR collaboration

9 comments

  1. I have to agree I love cooking on Holiday and trying out new things that I wouldnt at home. Such a great way to experiment and get to know the Country a little better as well x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh wow what some really interesting sounding dishes, I love the sound of the Skampi Na Buzaru though someone might have to help with eating it haha!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love Croatia! And I'd love to try the Punjena Paprika! Love pepppers!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love stuffed peppers so I would love to try Punjena Paprika. Looking at Croatia for a holiday at the moment

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have just come back from a holiday in Croatia, but didn't try any of the local dishes. I really wanted to try the lobster!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd love to visit Croatia I've never thought of doing self catering abroad but these meals u have cooked look delicous.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love to visit Croatia one day! Food looks amazing, I love seafood.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've yet to cook on holiday but I'd love to try it one day. Croatia seems like such a beautiful country and the food (especially the Punjena Paprika) looks incredible. I'm not a big fan of seafood so I'd bypass that but bring on all of the veg!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would love to visit Croatia one day! Food looks amazing, I love seafood.
    https://www.obsads.com/

    ReplyDelete