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Kotlovina is a traditional Croatian recipe that combines the wild flavors of meat with fresh vegetables, offering a hearty and flavorful dish. In this recipe, we will use a cooking disc, but with a little imagination, we can adapt the recipe for a grill or oven. It is a perfect dish for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or any special occasion.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 4–12 hours
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 5 hours
Number of servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 500 g pork (preferably belly or part of the head)
- 300 g sausages
- 300 g pork chop
- 6 onions
- 3 peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 500 g tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 500 g potatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 glass of white wine
- Salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste
Preparation:
1. Marinating the meat:
Start by preparing the meat. It needs to be marinated to enhance its flavors. Cut the pork into equal-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm). In a large bowl, add the cut meat, 3 crushed garlic cloves, pepper, salt, seasoning, 2 bay leaves, and a few drops of wine.
Helpful tips: If you have time, let the meat marinate overnight to absorb all the flavors. You can also use other spices, such as thyme or rosemary, for added flavor.
2. Preparing the vegetables:
Peel and finely chop the onion. Cut the peppers into small cubes, and the tomatoes can be either chopped or grated, depending on your preference. Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices.
3. Heating the disc:
Place the cooking disc over the fire and let it heat up well. Before adding the meat, brush the disc with a little oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cooking the meat:
Once the disc is hot, place the pieces of meat all around. Add the sausages, and let them brown well on all sides. It is important to turn the meat to cook evenly.
Tip: You can splash the meat with wine during cooking to give it a rich and juicy flavor.
5. Adding the vegetables:
When the meat is almost done (nicely browned), add the onion and peppers in the center of the disc. Pour in 100 ml of oil and let the vegetables sauté until golden.
6. Finalizing the dish:
Once the onion and peppers are ready, add the chopped tomatoes and potato slices. Cover with a cup of water and season with salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste. Let everything simmer, stirring occasionally.
Suggestion: If you like a spicy taste, add a finely chopped hot pepper at this point.
7. Serving:
After the potatoes are cooked and all ingredients are well integrated, turn off the heat. Add the remaining crushed garlic and mix gently. Serve kotlovina on a large platter, alongside warm polenta.
Serving suggestions:
Kotlovina pairs perfectly with fluffy polenta, but also with a fresh summer salad. You can also start your meal with a cold appetizer, such as sheep cheese or marinated olives.
Nutritional information:
This recipe provides a rich source of protein from the meat and sausages, while the vegetables bring essential vitamins and minerals. Calories vary depending on portions and ingredients, but a medium serving of kotlovina can contain approximately 500-600 calories.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can replace pork with beef or chicken, depending on your preferences.
- What other vegetables can I add? You can experiment with zucchini, eggplant, or carrots to diversify the recipe.
- Is kotlovina suitable for my diet? This recipe is rich in protein but can be adapted for healthier diets by reducing the oil or portions of meat.
Kotlovina is not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that brings people together around the table, adding a touch of tradition and warmth in every bite. So don’t hesitate! Embrace this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: Ingredients: 500 g pork (preferably neck or part of the head) 300 g sausages 300 g pork chop 6 onions 3 bell peppers 500 g tomatoes sweet pepper 1 head of garlic 1 glass of white wine 1 tbsp oil 500 g potatoes bay leaves
