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Istrian cuisine is a part of Mediterranean cuisine. In the last 20 years, Istrian cuisine has established itself as a world-renowned cuisine with an abundance of fresh ingredients prepared using traditional recipes with a pinch of modernity.
Asparagus dish from pixabay.com
If we were to describe Istrian cuisine in one word, “seasonal” would depict it best. Using locally produced products, Istrian cuisine offers a variety of dishes throughout the year and your gourmet experience on Istrian food depends on which time of year you visit Istria.
Also, we`ll be writing a sentence or two about Istrian wines that go excellently with amazing food. Moreover, we will show you the luxury villas in Istria where you can stay during your culinary trip.
Istrian Spring food
During Spring, restaurants in Istria offer dishes with asparagus and other seasonal vegetables. Asparagus is a wild growing plant with a somewhat bitter-aromatic taste. It is extremely appreciated in Istrian cuisine.
Asparagus is a great nutritious and detox food, ideal for Springtime. Days of Istrian Asparagus are being held in several towns in Istria from March, 21 till May, 13. During this two-month manifestation, visitors see and taste a real asparagus extravaganza.
Asparagus from pixabay.com
Fritaja
The preparation of this iconic Istrian dish is quite straightforward. You can find it in restaurants all year round with numerous variations that depend on the season and groceries available at the time. In Spring, fritaja is prepared with asparagus.
Frying asparagus with onion and bacon
You need to wash the asparagus needs and remove the soft part. Fry the finely chopped onion in olive oil for a while, add the asparagus, salt, and pepper, and sauté until the asparagus softens. Also, cut them into smaller pieces. After the asparagus softens, add beaten eggs and finish the frying when the eggs are done.
You can also add bits of prosciutto or bacon to the fritaja to add to the flavor. This hardy dish will surely give you strength for all the challenges that await you exploring the beautiful Istrian countryside.
Fritaja with asparagus from pixabay.com
Nadeva
Another great Istrian dish is nadeva (stuffing). Chickens were used to be cooked whole and nadeva was used to stuff the chicken during cooking. In this way, you`ll get three meals at once. Chicken soup, meat, and stuffing as a side dish. In modern times people start to prepare nadeva separately as a single dish. You can cook nadeva in water but cooking it in a chicken soup adds to the flavor.
Today, nadeva is prepared by mixing bread crumbs, grated cheese (Grana Padano or Parmesan), eggs, olive oil, salt and pepper. Depending on the season, you add other ingredients. In spring time asparagus are the absolute must in nadeva.
Spalleta Giravolta
Baked pork shoulder
Spalleta giravolta (pork shoulder) is traditionally prepared in Istria, especially during Easter time. Sliced parts of pork are fried on olive oil until it changes color and just before they are done you pour Malvasia vine and serve it warm. You will also find this dish prepared with fritaja with asparagus.
Breakfast with asparagus from pixabay.com
During its short season, asparagus is an absolute king of ingredients in Istrian cuisine and you can use it in soup, with octopus salad, and even as purée.
Asparagus soup from pixabay.com
In short, springtime in Istria is all about asparagus.
Lamb Under Cripnja
While in Istria be sure to try out “lamb under cripnja”. This dish is considered a true gourmet treat throughout the coastal part of Croatia, Istria included.
Cripnja
Cripnja or iron bell is put over the plate filled with lamb meat, potatoes, and depending on the season, zucchini or tomatoes, red paprika, and onion. Cripnja is then covered with embers and left to cook for two to three hours. Meat is usually cooked as a whole and sliced after.
Istrian Wines
Istria is renowned wine region. What better after a delicious meal than a good glass of wine?
Vineyard
Two wine varieties are dominant in Istria, Malvasia and Terran.
Malvasia
Malvasia (also known as Malvazia) is a group of wine grape varieties grown historically in the Mediterranean. This variety prefers dry climates and sloping terrain of well-drained soils. Malvasia is a golden, fragrant, and flavorful wine that offers hints of apricots, muscat, and almonds.
Wine from pixabay.com
Malvasia grape found in Istria is an indigenous variety and the difference between Istrian and other Malvasia is that other Malvasia wines are sweet wines while Istrian Malvasia is dry. It is often served with white fish, risotto, shellfish, and white meat.
Other sorts of white wines that you can find in Istria are Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Momjan`s Muscat, and Sauvignon.
Teran
When it comes to red wine, Teran is Istria's pride and joy. This red wine is very aromatic, rich in flavor, and has a strong personality. Terran is grown in soils with a rich content of iron.
Wine from pixabay.com
This indigenous variety of wine was first mentioned some 600 years ago and ever since it has been an unavoidable part of Istria! If you are a meat lover, this is the wine for you. Teran goes excellently with meat dishes, prosciutto, and sausages. Also, a famous Istrian dish, suppa, is prepared with Teran.
Other red wine sorts in Istria are Borgonja (another authentic Istrian sort), red Muskat, and Merlot.
Istria is a region filled with great vineries and be sure to check wine routes near the place you are staying at.
Where to Stay in Istria
It`s springtime, the ideal time to enjoy nature to the fullest. Surrounded by nature that you can explore during long walks and luxuriously equipped, holiday homes and villas in rural Istria are ideal for a great weekend getaway.
Also, a heated pool and jacuzzi sounds great after all day hiking, right?
Check out our selection of villas for a fabulous weekend getaway in Istria.
Luxury Villa Aurum with Pool
This ultra-modern villa in Kastelir in Central Istria will leave no one indifferent. You will find every luxury imaginable on the large estate of 1,000 m2.
Magical night lights from the heated pool immediately capture your attention.This magnificent villa's interior with its blue velvet and golden details exudes luxury.
The villa is fully equipped to provide an extremely comfortable weekend for up to 12 guests. Ideally situated it offers great possibilities for exploring the surroundings of rural Istria.
Grand Horizon with Pool
This 3-bedroom villa offers a stunning view over the Butoniga Lake and picturesque surrounding of Istrian countryside.
This 5-star villa is situated on a 3000 m2property. On this large estate guest can enjoy in walking among almost 300 olive trees. There is an organic garden that guests can use freely. Also, villas guests will surely appreciate that Villa Grand Horizon has an Eco Domus certificate making it an eco-friendly.
We hope after reading this blog, you will put Istria on your "to visit" list. Be sure to try some of the traditional dishes that put this region on a culinary map of Europe.
Also, don't forget to write us about your experience in Istria!
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