1. Šalša: The King of Simplicity
Šalša isn’t just a sauce; it’s a summer survival strategy. Croatians cook vats of this velvety tomato goodness using home-grown tomatoes, then freeze it in batches. Why? Because sometimes you want homemade flavor but can’t be bothered to chop another onion. Bonus: It makes you look like a culinary genius on lazy days.
Pro Tip: Always have a stash in the freezer. Future-you will thank past-you for being so clever.
2. The Magic of Vegetable Soups
There’s no recipe because Croatian grannies refuse to be limited by mere instructions. Got zucchini? In it goes. Some sad carrots? Soup! Onions are always the starting point, sautéed until golden. This isn’t cooking; it’s alchemy with whatever the garden offers.
Pro Tip: Don't stress about proportions. If it grows, it goes!
3. Zucchini Risotto: Creamy Perfection
Zucchini: technically a fruit, emotionally a vegetable. This risotto is a tribute to Croatia’s love affair with zucchinis. Stuff them, fry them, or turn them into a luxurious risotto that’s fancier than it sounds. The secret? Olive oil, patience, and pretending you’re a master chef while stirring.
Pro Tip: Keep stirring, but don’t overthink. Risotto thrives on zen.
4. Fish: The Sea’s Gift
Croatian summer tables are often graced with fried fish (pržena riba) or simply boiled fish. It’s as effortless as it is delicious. For fried fish, toss it in flour, fry until crispy, and serve with a squeeze of lemon. Boiled fish? Just simmer with some garlic, parsley, and a splash of olive oil. Don’t forget fish soup (riblja juha): a light, flavorful broth made from whatever the sea (or market) provides.
Pro Tip: Olive oil, garlic, and lemon—no fish dish can live without this holy trinity.
5. The "I-Don’t-Feel-Like-Cooking" Special
When the summer heat strikes, Croatian kitchens go minimal. Fresh salted tomatoes with mozzarella, a dollop of store-bought pâté (don't judge!), and maybe mesni doručak (a can of pork goodness). Add some crusty bread and pretend you’re dining in a coastal café.
Pro Tip: Everything tastes gourmet when drizzled with good olive oil.
Fry Everything!
It’s a universal truth: fried meat makes everything better. Pair it with any of the above, and you’ve got a meal that even the pickiest relative can’t criticize.
Croatian Summer Cooking: Where Tradition Meets Simplicity
Whether you’re simmering Šalša, frying fish, or throwing together a no-fuss plate, Croatian cooking in summer is all about using what you have and keeping things deliciously simple. So, embrace the heat, raid the garden, and let olive oil do the heavy lifting.
Because in Croatia, the real secret ingredient is enjoying —that blissful state of doing nothing... except eating. 🍽️☀️🐟
