Croatian Potato “restani Krumpir” Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where I’ll be sharing with you one of my all-time favorite Croatian recipes – Potato Restani Krumpir. This hearty rustic dish is a staple in Croatian cuisine, and for good reason. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests.

Restani Krumpir, which literally means “fried potatoes” in Croatian, is a dish that consists of fried potatoes and onions, seasoned with paprika and sometimes diced bacon. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, and the ingredients required are readily available in most grocery stores.

In this recipe, I’ll be sharing with you my version of this classic Croatian dish. I’ve made a few tweaks to the traditional recipe to make it even more delicious, while still keeping the authentic taste of Croatia. So, put on your apron, grab your potatoes, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and rustic side dish to complement your meal, then look no further than Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir. This dish is a staple in Croatian cuisine and is loved by many for its simplicity and delicious taste.

One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because it consists of fried potatoes and onions, which are sautéed in paprika and sometimes even diced bacon for added flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that will have your taste buds dancing.

Another reason to try this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it alongside other Croatian dishes such as Sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), Paprikas (a goulash dish made with peppers), or even with Shepherd’s stew. It’s also an excellent side dish for vegetable dishes and pairs well with bread.

If you’re a fan of mashed potatoes, then you’ll love this dish. The boiled potatoes are mashed and studded with sautéed onions, caramelized onions, and sometimes even diced bacon. This gives the dish a unique texture and flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Finally, this recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. All you need are potatoes, onions, paprika, and salt. It’s perfect for those colder winter times when you want something warm and comforting.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why you’ll love this Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir recipe. It’s delicious, versatile, easy to make, and perfect for those looking for a hearty and rustic side dish. So why not try it out and taste Croatia for yourself?

Ingredient List

A hearty side dish that will steal the show!

Before we start cooking our Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir, let’s prepare the ingredients we’ll need. This hearty rustic dish consists of fried potatoes and onions seasoned with paprika, sometimes diced bacon, and a pinch of salt. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious side dish:

List of Ingredients:

4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and peeled
1 medium onion, thinly sliced or chopped
2 tbsp of oil (vegetable, sunflower, or olive oil)
1 tbsp of sweet paprika (or smoked paprika if you prefer)
Salt (to taste)
Optional: diced bacon, sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have them in your kitchen.

The Recipe How-To

Golden and crispy, just the way I like it.

Preparing the Potatoes

First, boil 4 medium potatoes until they are cooked through and tender. Once boiled, peel the potatoes and dice them into small pieces.

Cooking the Onions

In a large skillet or frying pan, sauté 1 medium onion in olive oil over medium heat until they are caramelized and golden brown. This will take about 10-15 minutes.

Adding the Potatoes

Once the onions are caramelized, add the diced boiled potatoes to the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and paprika. The paprika is optional, but it gives the dish a nice smoky flavor.

Cooking the Potatoes

Stir the mixture to ensure that the potatoes and onions are evenly coated with the seasoning. Let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the onions and paprika.

Optional Add-Ins

If you want to add more flavors to the dish, you can add diced bacon to the skillet. Cook the bacon with the onions until it is crispy and then add the boiled potatoes. This will give the dish a nice savory flavor.

Serving the Dish

Once the potatoes are cooked through and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the hearty rustic dish immediately as a side dish or as a main dish with a side of bread. This dish is perfect for winter times and goes great with vegetable dishes or cabbage.

Enjoy the warm and comforting taste of Croatia with this traditional Croatian potato restani krumpir recipe.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or simply need to change things up a bit, there are several substitutions and variations you can make to this Croatian potato restani krumpir recipe. Here are a few ideas to try:

– Vegetarian: If you’re a vegetarian or simply want to cut down on meat, you can omit the bacon from the recipe. Instead, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or chopped roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.

– Shepherd’s Stew: For a heartier version of this recipe, try adding some diced lamb or beef to the potatoes and onions as they cook. This will result in a delicious shepherd’s stew that is perfect for cold winter times.

– Vegetable Dishes: You can also add some vegetables to the restani krumpir for a more balanced meal. Cabbage, kale, and green beans are all great options that go well with the dish.

– Milk Street: Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street has a traditional Croatian recipe that calls for boiled potatoes sautéed with caramelized onions and paprika. This recipe is a bit simpler than the restani krumpir recipe, but it’s just as delicious.

– Bread: Another way to serve this dish is to add some bread to the mix. Cut a loaf of crusty bread into pieces and use it to sop up the juices from the potatoes and onions.

No matter how you decide to make this dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, take a taste of Croatia and cook like James with this versatile potato restani krumpir recipe!

Serving and Pairing

This hearty rustic dish of Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir is the perfect side dish to any meat or vegetable dish. It can be served with a variety of meals, from a classic Shepherd’s Stew to vegetable dishes like cabbage. The mashed potatoes studded with sautéed onions and diced bacon often gives it a smoky flavor that pairs well with meat dishes like paprikas or goulash.

To make this dish a complete meal, pair it with some bread, like the traditional Croatian bread, and a salad. The bread will help soak up the delicious sauce and the salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the warm and savory flavors of the Restani Krumpir.

If you’re looking for a complete Croatian meal, try serving this side dish with Sarma, stuffed green peppers or paprikas goulash dish. These dishes are also traditional Croatian recipes that share the same hearty and rustic taste of the Restani Krumpir.

For a more modern take on this classic Croatian dish, try pairing it with some vegetable dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or grilled asparagus. These vegetables will provide a healthy and fresh contrast to the rich and creamy mashed potatoes.

In summary, the Restani Krumpir is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. It is the perfect side dish for any meal and can be served with traditional Croatian dishes or modern vegetable dishes. So, cook like James and taste Croatia with this delicious side dish.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir is that it can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for later use. This means that you can prepare it for a dinner party the day before and have it ready to go when your guests arrive, saving you time and stress in the kitchen.

To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions as usual, but stop before baking it in the oven. Instead, let the dish cool to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and bake in the oven as directed.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s important to add a little bit of moisture to prevent the potatoes from drying out. You can do this by adding a splash of milk or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating in the microwave or oven.

Keep in mind that the texture of the dish may change slightly after being stored and reheated, but it will still taste delicious. To maintain the best possible texture, I recommend reheating in the oven rather than the microwave.

Overall, Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir is a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or entertaining. It’s hearty, rustic, and packed with flavor – perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to making Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir, there are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you achieve the best possible outcome. Here are some of my top tips for perfect results:

First and foremost, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. This dish is all about hearty, rustic flavors, so you want to use the best ingredients you can find to really make those flavors shine. Look for fresh, firm potatoes and sweet, juicy onions, and try to use Croatian paprika if possible for an authentic taste.

When it comes to cooking the potatoes, be sure to boil them until they are just tender. You don’t want them to be mushy or falling apart, but you also don’t want them to be too firm. Once they are boiled, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them into rounds.

For the onions, I recommend caramelizing them slowly over low heat. This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious, savory base for the dish. Be patient and don’t rush the process – it may take a little longer, but the end result will be worth it.

When it comes to seasoning, be sure to use plenty of salt and paprika. These two ingredients are key to the flavor profile of Restani Krumpir, so don’t be shy with them. Taste as you go and adjust as needed.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations on the recipe. Add in some diced bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor, or try using sweet potatoes or yams instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the traditional dish. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative in the kitchen!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir is a delicious and hearty rustic dish that is perfect for winter times or any time you crave comfort food. With its caramelized onions, sautéed potatoes, and savory bacon, it’s no wonder why this dish is a favorite in Croatia. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be served as a side dish or a main course.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe by adding different vegetables or proteins like cabbage or shepherd stew. And if you want to take it to the next level, try serving it with some crusty bread or alongside other traditional Croatian dishes like sarma, stuffed green peppers, or paprikas goulash.

By following this recipe, you can taste the flavors of Croatia right in your own home. So cook like James, and download the Croatian Mashed Potato Restani Krumpir recipe from Milk Street or Food.com/Croatian Potato Restani Krumpir Recipe today. Share your experience with others, and let them taste the rich culture and history of Croatia through your cooking.