Croatian Peka
Originating from Croatia, Peka is a traditional Balkan cooking method that involves baking meat and vegetables in a bell-shaped pot or under a bell-like dome. This slow-cooking technique allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a tender and aromatic dish.
The dish typically includes a mix of meats such as lamb, veal, or chicken, combined with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and herbs. The ingredients are seasoned and then placed in the Peka pot, which is covered with a bell-shaped lid and slowly cooked over hot coals.
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb, cut into chunks
- 500g veal, cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Season the lamb and veal with salt, pepper, rosemary, and oregano.
- In a Peka pot or Dutch oven, layer the potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Place the seasoned meat on top of the vegetables.
- Top with chopped tomatoes and drizzle olive oil over everything.
- Cover the Peka pot with the bell-shaped lid or aluminum foil.
- Cook in the preheated oven for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of this delicious Croatian dish!
Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Croatia, this Peka recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.