California-Style Grilled Kotlovina

Ingredients

In the California-style adaptation of Kotlovina, we incorporate the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that are characteristic of California cuisine. This includes the addition of locally sourced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes, which add a refreshing twist to the traditional Croatian dish. The grilling technique is also emphasized to infuse the meat with a smoky flavor, synonymous with California's love for outdoor cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Kotlovina, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork shoulder, cut into cubes 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork shoulder, cut into cubes
• 2 bell peppers, seeded and sliced 2 bell peppers, seeded and sliced
• 2 zucchini, sliced 2 zucchini, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, sliced 4 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder cubes, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers, alternating with the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes.
4. 4.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve the California-Style Grilled Kotlovina hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder as it will ensure the meat stays juicy and tender during grilling.
• Bell peppers — Opt for a mix of different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Zucchini — Make sure to slice the zucchini into uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Baste the skewers with the marinade while grilling to enhance the flavors.
• Serve the California-Style Grilled Kotlovina with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Leftovers can be used to make delicious sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the California-Style Grilled Kotlovina as a main course, accompanied by a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an added burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, showcasing the vibrant colors of the grilled vegetables alongside the succulent pork. Drizzle a little olive oil over the dish for a glossy finish.