Best 6 North Croatian Cucumber Stew Cuspajz Od Krastavaca Recipes
**Discover the Delightful Simplicity of Cuspajz od Krastavaca: A Refreshing Croatian Cucumber Stew**
In the heart of Northern Croatia lies a culinary gem that captures the essence of simplicity and freshness: Cuspajz od Krastavaca, a traditional cucumber stew that embodies the region's rich culinary heritage. This delectable dish showcases the versatility of cucumbers, transforming them into a savory and satisfying stew that tantalizes the taste buds. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore this delightful Croatian delicacy, uncovering its unique flavors and the variations that make each recipe a culinary adventure.
**Cuspajz od Krastavaca** is a versatile dish, often served as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. Its preparation is straightforward, featuring a symphony of fresh cucumbers, onions, garlic, and a touch of aromatic herbs. The cucumbers are sliced and gently stewed in a flavorful broth, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through. The addition of onions and garlic imparts a savory depth, while the herbs, such as parsley and dill, introduce a burst of freshness. Some variations incorporate diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or carrots, adding vibrant color and texture to the stew.
The simplicity of Cuspajz od Krastavaca allows for personal interpretations, making it a canvas for culinary creativity. Some recipes introduce a touch of spice with a pinch of paprika or a dash of chili powder, while others enhance the stew's richness with the addition of sour cream or yogurt. Whether served warm or chilled, Cuspajz od Krastavaca is a testament to the culinary ingenuity of Northern Croatia, offering a symphony of flavors that will captivate your senses.
NORTH CROATIAN CUCUMBER STEW ("CUSPAJZ OD KRASTAVACA")
This is one of my favorite spring stews. It is also my grandmother's recipe from her booklet. It is also side dish to meat and potato.
Provided by nitko
Categories Stew
Time 45m
Yield 4 portions, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Peel the cucumbers and cut them as for salad. Salt it and put aside for 10 minutes.
- Melt lard and add finely minced garlic and flour and sauté it until flour become brownish. Add paprika and stir well. Add cold water and make creamy liquid.
- Squeeze cucumbers with hand to extract bitter liquid and add cucumbers into the pot. Add vinegar, salt and pepper and cover with water.
- Cook not more than 30 minutes. Before serving add sour cream and stir.
NORTH CROATIAN GREEN PEAS STEW ("GRASAK CUSPAJZ")
This is very simple spring stew. It is recommended to use fresh green peas not canned. So, before starting to cook, remove peas from shuck. It is a boring job but must be done.
Provided by nitko
Categories Stew
Time 40m
Yield 4 portions, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Melt butter in a pot and add flour. Fry it until becoming brownish than add water and make creamy liquid.
- Add some water and when boils add all green peas, parsley leaves, salt, and thyme.
- Add water just to cover peas and cook abut 30 minutes or peas become soft.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.9, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 7.6, Sodium 622.2, Carbohydrate 54, Fiber 18.6, Sugar 20.6, Protein 19.9
NORTH CROATIAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH STEW (BUCE CUSPAJZ)
This is one of traditional early summer North Croatian stews. I am sure they eat something similar in Hungary since we have shared the same history for more than 500 years. This is my grand-grandmother recipe, almost 200 years old.
Provided by nitko
Categories Stew
Time 1h50m
Yield 4 portions, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cut butternut squash into stripes like thick spaghetti (we buy it usually already cut on the market).
- Salt it and add vinegar and leave it stay for 60 minutes. It must start to leave juices.
- Melt lard and add finely minced onion. Sauté onions until translucent, add flour, stir it until brownish; add cold water and make creamy liquid.
- Add red paprika and some more water.
- Squeeze squash with hands to remove water from it and than add into a pot. Stir it and add some fresh water to cover it.
- Cook gently (it can easily burn) until butternut squash is soft. Before serving add minced dill and sour cream. Serve with pork schnitzels and potato.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 200.1, Fat 7.1, SaturatedFat 3.9, Cholesterol 12.2, Sodium 23.8, Carbohydrate 34.6, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 6.7, Protein 3.8
CROATIAN LEEK STEW ( PORILUK CUSPAJZ")
This recipe is at least 200 years old. My grand-grandmother was preparing leek that way, my, grandmother was preparing that way, my mother was preparing that way, so I am preparing it that way. This is very healthy meal, although it is prepared on pork fat.
Provided by nitko
Categories Stew
Time 35m
Yield 4 p, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Wash the leek very thoroughly (there might be some mud between the leaves) and cut them in 1 inch pieces (also the green parts, at least nice looking one).
- Preheat the water and when it boils put the leek in it and leave it boil for one minute.
- During this operation prepare this: put lard in a pot, heat it and brown flour in lard (but not too brown).
- Add grounded paprika and just few drops of cold water to make "zafrig" (a kind of "sauce veloutè").
- Take out leek with hollow spoon, add sliced potato in small cubes and water you have cooked leek in it.
- Season with salt and pepper and cook until potato is soft (10-20 minutes).
- Serve as a side dish to steaks, sausages, dried smoked ham etc.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 268.3, Fat 10.5, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 20.4, Sodium 403.2, Carbohydrate 35.5, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 7.3, Protein 9.8
NORTH CROATIAN KOHLRABI STEW (KOLORABA CUSPAJZ)
This is very old recipe I usually eat in spring. This is a side dish, we usually eat some meat and potato with it (beef cutlet or pork chops or...) It is important to use fresh and baby kohlrabi. If the kohlrabi is old and big you will have wooden parts inside. It is also important to use fresh: more time you store it, better chance to have woody kohlrabi. Actually, as I write this recipe I'm also cooking it.
Provided by nitko
Categories Stew
Time 45m
Yield 3 portions, 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Peel kohlrabi like you peel apples. Remove leaves (don't throw away baby leaves, you can slice them and put into stew later) and cut kohlrabi like you cut potato for French fry potato, but just little bit thicker.
- Melt lard (or butter) in a pot, add flour and sauté it 1 minute. Add water and make creamy liquid. Add sliced kohlrabi and add water to cover the vegetable. Add salt and pepper and baby leaves if you want.
- Cook about 30 minutes or until kohlrabi softens.
- At the end add sour cream, stir well and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.3, Fat 11.2, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 18.1, Sodium 827.2, Carbohydrate 13.9, Fiber 6.2, Sugar 4.4, Protein 4.2
CROATIAN SPINACH STEW ( SPINAT CUSPAJZ")
This recipe is at least 200 years old. My grand-grandmother was preparing spinach that way, my, grandmother was preparing that way, my mother was preparing that way, so I am preparing it that way. This is very healthy meal, although it is prepared on pork fat. One important fact: never re-heat the spinach - you will have digestion problems.
Provided by nitko
Categories Stew
Time 15m
Yield 4 portions, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Clean the spinach leaves and put them in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Drain the leaves and using large knife (or multi-practic machine): cut them to mash.
- Take a pot, melt butter, add flour and garlic, and add cold water to make a kind of "sauce veloutè".
- Add mashed spinach pour milk (or cream) season with salt and pepper.
- Nutmeg is optional.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 258.8, Fat 21.5, SaturatedFat 13, Cholesterol 71.7, Sodium 232.4, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 1.1, Protein 8.8
Tips:
- Use fresh, young cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
- Peel the cucumbers if desired, but leaving the skin on will add a bit of extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cut the cucumbers into small, even pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the cucumbers. They should be in a single layer so that they can brown properly.
- Stir the cucumbers frequently while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the pot.
- Add a little bit of water or broth to the pot if the cucumbers start to dry out.
- Season the cucumbers to taste with salt, pepper, and other desired spices.
- Serve the cucumber stew hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish.
Conclusion:
Cucumber stew is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you serve it hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish, this stew is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook cucumbers, give this North Croatian recipe a try.
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