Old Croatian Speciality Soparnik Set for EU Protection Status
- by croatiaweek
- in Latest
Pršut from Drniš, Krk, Istria and Dalmatian, extra virgin olive oil from Cres, mandarins from Neretva, sour cabbage from Ogulin, kulen from Baranja, and potatoes from Lika are the 9 Croatian foods which have EU geographical protection status…
Another traditional Croatian dish could soon join them. An application for Poljički soparnik to be protected and issued with the EU geographical origin label is currently with the EU.
Poljički soparnik is savoury pie with a filling of Swiss chard. Its origins, centuries ago, are from modern-day Omiš and the surrounding areas which was once part of the Poljica Republic in the late Middle Ages and the early modern period in central Dalmatia. The original season for the dish was the colder time of the year when older, sweeter chard was available.
The soparnik is said to be the prototype of the Italian pizza, which the Romans brought to Italy. Today it is used as a cultural trademark and sold increasingly on markets and in restaurants and found on events and festivals.
Soparnik has already been declared an intangible cultural heritage of Croatia by the Croatian ministry of culture, and now it awaits protection at the European level.
“Soparnik is an old Croatian food, from the area of Omiš. The dough is made from flour, water and salt. You need three kilos of Swiss chard and one onion. Spices are olive oil, garlic and salt and needs 10 minutes to bake in a komin. The komin needs to be heated for an hour. When it is done you spread olive oil and garlic on top and cut into rhomboid slices” Željka Šarić from the Poljica Socitey explains.
The society says that nothing similar has been protected at th EU level, and that receiving the status is important as it will mean accessing EU funds will become a lot easier when presenting the Poljički soparnik at fairs in Europe. Croatian EU parliament member Tonino Picula says that there is no reason for the application to be knocked back.
Check out how make soparnik here.
