Croatian recipes: Recreate the 17th century Ozalj strudel

by croatiaweek
September 2, 2024
in Food & Wine

Ozalj Court Strudel (Photo: PROMO Štrudlafest)

As Štrudlafest is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get into the spirit by trying your hand at one of the delicious strudels you’ll find at the festival.

Here’s a recipe for a traditional strudel from the Ozalj Dvor, inspired by the culinary heritage of the noble Zrinski family, who prepared this dish in the enchanting Old Town of Ozalj in the 17th century.

The medieval town of Ozalj is located above the river Kupa near Karlovac.

(Photo: PROMO Štrudlafest)

Now, you can recreate this taste of history in your own home.

Recipe: Ozalj Dvor Strudel (approx. 12 servings)

Pastry:

• 480g flour

• 100ml oil

• 20g salt

• 300ml water

Filling:

• 1.5kg pumpkin (courgettes can be used if pumpkin is unavailable)

• 100g ginger

• 500g porcini mushrooms or other mushrooms (button mushrooms can be used if porcini are unavailable)

• 500g bacon

• 300g onions

• 200g homemade pork lard

• Salt to taste

Ozalj Castle

Method:

1. Prepare the dough by mixing the listed ingredients together. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the filling.

2. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin, brush it with oil, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb the oil.

3. While the dough rests, prepare the filling: sauté the onions in lard until golden brown, then add the bacon and mushrooms. Sauté the mixture for approximately 20 minutes, then allow it to cool.

4. Grate the pumpkin, sprinkle with salt, and leave it to stand for 10 minutes to release water. Drain the pumpkin well.

5. Stretch the dough as thinly as possible with your fingers. On one half of the stretched dough, place the drained pumpkin, followed by the cooled onion, mushroom, and bacon mixture. Grate the ginger over the filling.

6. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and roll the strudel into your desired shape (smaller portions for those who love crispy edges, or shape it into a spiral or any other form you prefer).

7. Place the strudel in a baking tray that has been greased with oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes.

This recipe is inspired by the cuisine and old recipes of the noble Zrinski family, who prepared it in the magical Old Town of Ozalj in the 17th century.