Croatian-style Hot Pot

Ingredients

While the Chinese hot pot typically features a variety of thinly sliced meats and seafood, the Croatian adaptation incorporates local ingredients such as sausages, root vegetables, and fragrant herbs. The Croatian-style hot pot also includes a flavorful broth made with Croatian spices and herbs, giving it a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Hot Pot, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sausages, sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef sausages, sliced
• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed
• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 500g (1.1 lb) carrots, peeled and sliced 500g (1.1 lb) carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 liters (8 cups) beef or chicken broth 2 liters (8 cups) beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chicken breast and pork shoulder. Cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. 3.
   Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Return the sausages, chicken, and pork to the pot. Add the potatoes, carrots, bay leaves, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Pour the beef or chicken broth into the pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot pot into bowls and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef sausages — Choose high-quality sausages with a good balance of meat and fat for the best flavor.
• Chicken breast — Slice the chicken breast thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Pork shoulder — Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before cubing it for a leaner hot pot.
• Potatoes — Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy texture in the hot pot.
• Carrots — Slice the carrots into thin rounds to ensure they cook through in the simmering broth.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of Croatian red wine to the hot pot broth.
• Serve the hot pot with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
• Customize the hot pot by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of Croatian chili flakes to the broth.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Hot Pot piping hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Provide each person with a ladle to serve themselves from the communal pot, creating a cozy and interactive dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Croatian-style Hot Pot in a large, decorative pot at the center of the table. Surround it with bowls of sliced bread and condiments such as Croatian ajvar or sour cream. This visually appealing setup will entice your guests to dig in and enjoy the flavors of Croatia.