Slovenia

Slovenian cuisine is colourful and extremely diverse. The country is divided into 24 gastronomic regions with numerous traditional dishes. Some traditional dishes have origins in old local inns, but some new ones connect local ingredients with modern tastes.

Lots of Slovenian products and foods have been awarded a Protected Geographical Indication, thus representing the country worldwide and promoting the regional and cultural gastronomic diversity of Slovenia.

Here below just a few famous Slovenian dishes.

Potica is the most famous Slovenian cake, recognized as an ambassador of Slovenia. It is made from yeast dough filled with various fillings. There are more than 80 different types of fillings, from which tarragon, walnuts, poppy seeds, chives, curd cheese and raisins are the most famous. This sweet Slovenian dish is prepared differently in particular parts of the country.

Štruklji is another traditional Slovenian dish made from dough filled with a variety of fillings. They can be served as a side dish or as a dessert. They are prepared from different types of dough, baked or cooked, they can be salty or sweet. The most popular štruklji are filled with curd cheese, tarragon, walnuts, apples or poppy seeds.

Jota is a light and tasty stew. This popular Slovenian dish is made from sour turnip or sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, smoked pork ribs and spices such as garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cumin seeds and pieces of Kranjska klobasa sausage can also be added in this typical Slovenian dish. Jota, however, can be prepared in many different ways.

Idrijski žlikrofi, a ravioli-type dish originating from the Idrija area, is a well known traditional Slovenian dish. It is prepared from home-made dough, filled with potato stuffing and have a characteristic shape. The preparation is based on an old recipe that was described in the mid-19th century.

Today Idrijski žlikrofi is officially protected as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed, mainly because of their specific production and a unique recipe. Žlikrofi are stuffed with a potato filling, minced lard or smoked bacon, and spices such as chopped marjoram, chives, onions, black pepper and salt. It is cooked in water and served as a warm appetizer, side dish or as a main dish.