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Dalmatian Brudet Recipe

brudet cuisine dalmatia croatia

Guests fall in love with Croatia for all kinds of reasons, but traditional local dish employs all your senses at once, introducing you to Croatian culture in the best possible way – through the pleasure of eating. In line with the famous saying ”love goes through the stomach” – we bring you this traditional Dalmatian dish.

Brudet

Dalmatian Brudet

Dalmatian Brudet is a traditional Croatian fish stew, particularly popular in the Dalmatian region. It’s a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Here’s a basic recipe for Dalmatian Brudet:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (about 1 kg) of a variety of firm-fleshed fish (e.g., monkfish, grouper, or sea bass), cut into large chunks
  • 1/2 lb (about 250g) of small shrimp or prawns
  • 1/2 lb (about 250g) of mussels
  • 1/2 lb (about 250g) of squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or so until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and both red and green bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to soften and release its juices.
  4. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
  5. Add the bay leaves, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients.
  6. Add the chunks of fish to the pot, and gently mix them with the tomato and pepper mixture.
  7. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. Be careful not to stir too much, as the fish can break apart easily.
  8. After 15 minutes, add the squid, shrimp, and mussels. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through. Discard any unopened mussels.
  9. Taste the brudet and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  10. Serve the Dalmatian Brudet hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, and with some crusty bread or polenta on the side.

Dalmatian Brudet is typically enjoyed with a glass of white wine, and it’s a delightful and flavorful seafood stew that captures the essence of Dalmatian cuisine.

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