Pitcairn Island Festive Pogača

Ingredients

The Pitcairn Island Festive Pogača differs from the original Croatian Blagdanska pogača in several ways. Firstly, the traditional ingredients like ham and cheese are replaced with fresh seafood, reflecting the abundance of marine life in the Pitcairn Islands. Additionally, coconut milk is used in the dough to infuse it with a tropical twist. The herbs and spices used in the filling are also adapted to the flavors commonly found in Pitcairn Island cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Blagdanska pogača Luciščak, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) coconut milk 250ml (1 cup) coconut milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 300g (10 oz) fresh seafood (lobster, fish, or shrimp), diced 300g (10 oz) fresh seafood (lobster, fish, or shrimp), diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme leaves 1 tsp thyme leaves
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and eggs.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the coconut milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, in a skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
7. 7.
   Add the diced seafood, thyme leaves, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the seafood is cooked through.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
10. 10.
    Roll out one portion of the dough into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
11. 11.
    Spread half of the seafood filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
12. 12.
    Roll out the second portion of the dough into a circle of the same size and place it on top of the filling.
13. 13.
    Press the edges of the dough together to seal the pogača.
14. 14.
    Transfer the pogača to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
15. 15.
    Repeat steps 10-14 with the remaining dough and filling.
16. 16.
    Bake the pogača in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
17. 17.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
18. 18.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Fresh seafood — Use the freshest seafood available and ensure it is properly cleaned and diced before cooking.
• Thyme leaves — If fresh thyme leaves are not available, you can substitute with dried thyme, using half the amount.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier pogača, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Experiment with different types of seafood, such as crab or prawns, to create your own unique variation.
• Serve the pogača with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover pogača can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• For a decorative touch, brush the top of the pogača with beaten egg before baking to create a shiny glaze.

Serving advice

Serve the Pitcairn Island Festive Pogača warm as a main course or as part of a festive meal. Slice it into wedges and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional fresh parsley over the sliced pogača. Serve it on a platter decorated with tropical flowers or leaves for a touch of island-inspired elegance.