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HOMEMADE PASTA WITH VEAL STEW – A SPECIALTY FROM ZRNOVO, KORČULA ISLAND

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HOMEMADE PASTA WITH VEAL STEW – A SPECIALTY FROM ZRNOVO, KORČULA ISLAND

HOMEMADE PASTA WITH VEAL STEW – A SPECIALTY FROM ZRNOVO, KORČULA ISLAND

This dish is a cherished specialty from Zrnovo, a village on Korčula Island. Homemade pasta is paired with a rich veal stew sauce, traditionally a closely guarded family secret passed down through generations. Inspired by the flavors of the island, I added a few local aromatics like bay leaf, oregano, and the regional white wine Pošip to recreate a perfect balance. The result? A hearty, tender veal stew with pasta reminiscent of my mother’s comforting cooking.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min

🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour
🍰 Yields: 4 servings

🥄 Ingredients

Homemade Pasta:

  • 400 g homemade macaroni (store-bought pasta can be used as a substitute)

Veal Stew Sauce:

  • 500 g veal, cubed
  • 1 large onion
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 100 ml dry white wine (preferably Pošip)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 3 tbsp oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 💧 Keep 1 liter of water simmering on the stove throughout the cooking process for later use.
  2. 🔪 Cube the veal into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 🧅 In a food processor, finely chop the onion and red bell pepper into a paste (or grate them). Red onion is traditional in Korčula cuisine.
  4. 🍳 Heat oil in a pot and sauté the onion-pepper paste until the raw onion smell disappears.
  5. 🥩 Add the veal cubes and fry, stirring frequently, until the meat changes color.
  6. 🍷 Pour in the white wine and cook until it evaporates.
  7. 🌿 Remove the pot from heat and stir in paprika, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Add 2 ladles of hot water.
  8. 🔥 Bring the stew back to a boil, cover, and simmer gently over low heat for 30 minutes. Check occasionally to prevent the water from evaporating too much or burning.
  9. ⏲️ After 30 minutes, the sauce should be slightly thickened. Add salt to taste and 2 more ladles of hot water. Continue simmering with the lid on for another 30 minutes.
  10. 🔍 Check if the veal is tender enough to melt in your mouth. If not, add more hot water ladle by ladle and continue cooking with the lid on until meat is soft. Adjust salt as needed.
  11. 🍝 When the stew is ready, cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
  12. 🍲 Add the pasta directly into the veal stew sauce, mixing gently to coat. Serve warm. Leftovers are delicious reheated.

💡 Tips

  • Using homemade pasta enhances the authenticity, but quality store-bought pasta works well too.
  • Keep a close eye on the stew to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
  • Pošip white wine adds a regional touch with subtle fruity notes.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Traditional Croatian meals
  • Family gatherings and special occasions
  • Comforting, hearty dinners

📝 Final Thoughts

This Korčula-inspired homemade pasta with veal stew is a wonderful blend of rustic flavors and tender textures. The slow-cooked veal enriched with aromatic herbs and regional wine creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with fresh pasta. A true taste of the Adriatic coast’s culinary heritage.