Rustic Croatian Cucumber Stew
This Rustic Croatian Cucumber Stew, known as 'Cuspajz Od Krastavaca,' is a delightful spring dish that celebrates the freshness of cucumbers. Passed down through generations, this cherished recipe from my grandmother's collection brings a taste of history to your table. The combination of tender cucumbers simmered in a savory, creamy sauce, complemented by hints of garlic and a touch of vinegar, makes this stew an ideal side dish for meats and potatoes. It's perfect for family gatherings, offering a taste of traditional Croatian cuisine that is both comforting and invigorating.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
1000 g (Peeled and sliced)
Lard (or oil)
30 g (Melted)
Flour
20 g (All purpose)
Garlic
1 clove (Finely minced)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (Dry, red)
Vinegar
1 tablespoon (Red wine vinegar)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Sour cream
50 g
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the cucumbers and slicing them into salad-sized pieces. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2
In a large pot, melt the lard (or oil) over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour and sauté, stirring continuously, until the flour turns a light golden brown.
3
Add the paprika to the pot and mix well, allowing the flavors to meld. Gradually pour in cold water, stirring constantly until you achieve a creamy consistency.
4
After the cucumbers have released some of their bitterness, gently squeeze them to remove any excess liquid, then add them to the pot. Stir in the red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, and cover the cucumbers with water.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for no more than 30 minutes, or until the cucumbers are tender.
6
Before serving, stir in the sour cream until well combined, enhancing the stew's richness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Croatian Cucumber Stew?
It is a traditional spring dish from Croatia known as 'Cuspajz Od Krastavaca' featuring cucumbers in a savory, creamy sauce.
What is the traditional name for this dish?
The traditional Croatian name for this cucumber stew is 'Cuspajz Od Krastavaca'.
What are the key ingredients for this stew?
The key ingredients include cucumbers, lard or oil, flour, garlic, paprika, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and sour cream.
How many cucumbers are needed?
You will need approximately 1000 grams of cucumbers for this recipe.
Can I use oil instead of lard?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of 30 grams of either lard or oil.
Why salt the cucumbers beforehand?
Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for 10 minutes helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
How long should the cucumbers sit with salt?
The sliced cucumbers should sit with salt for about 10 minutes before they are squeezed.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 20 grams of all-purpose flour to create the roux.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
One finely minced clove of garlic is used to provide flavor to the stew.
What color should the flour reach when sautéing?
The flour should be sautéed until it turns a light golden brown color.
When should I add the paprika?
Add the paprika to the pot after the flour is golden brown and mix well before adding water.
Why is cold water used for the sauce?
Cold water is poured in gradually and stirred constantly to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Do I need to squeeze the cucumbers?
Yes, after salting, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any excess liquid before adding them to the pot.
What type of vinegar is best?
The recipe specifically recommends using one tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
How long should the stew simmer?
The mixture should be brought to a gentle simmer and cooked for no more than 30 minutes until the cucumbers are tender.
When is the sour cream added?
The sour cream is stirred in just before serving to enhance the richness and flavor.
What is the purpose of the sour cream?
The sour cream adds richness and a creamy finish to the stew's flavor profile.
Is this a main course?
This dish is typically served as an ideal side dish for meats and potatoes rather than a main course.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is perfect when served alongside various meats and potato dishes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
If you use oil instead of lard, this recipe is a suitable vegetarian dish.
Is this a traditional Croatian recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished traditional Croatian recipe passed down through generations.
What season is best for this dish?
This is considered a delightful spring dish that celebrates the freshness of cucumbers.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of dry red paprika.
How much salt is required?
One teaspoon of salt is used in the cooking process, plus additional salt for the initial cucumber preparation.
How much pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How should I prepare the cucumbers?
Cucumbers should be peeled and sliced into salad-sized pieces.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 50 grams of sour cream.
Does the stew have a creamy consistency?
Yes, the combination of flour, water, and sour cream creates a creamy consistency.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and invigorating taste of traditional Croatian cuisine.
Who originally provided this recipe?
This recipe comes from the cherished collection of the creator's grandmother.