Recipe

Mrkopaljski Podmetaš with a Twist

Savory Croatian Carrot and Potato Bake

4.4 out of 5

This recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Croatian dish, Mrkopaljski Podmetaš. It combines the earthy flavors of carrots and potatoes with aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a comforting and satisfying bake.

Stew› Mrkopaljski podmetaš

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Croatian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour 15 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free (if omitting Parmesan cheese), Vegan (if omitting Parmesan cheese)

Allergens

Dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (800g) 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (800g)
4 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (400g) 4 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (400g)
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling Olive oil for drizzling

Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugar: 5g)
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 7g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
In a large baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of sliced carrots.
3.
Sprinkle half of the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and Parmesan cheese over the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
4.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, carrots, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
5.
Drizzle the top layer with olive oil and cover the baking dish with foil.
6.
Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the vegetables are tender.
7.
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Potatoes — Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
Carrots — Use fresh and firm carrots for the best texture and flavor.
Parmesan cheese — For a vegan or dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.

Tips & Tricks

For a crispier top layer, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking.
Serve the Mrkopaljski Podmetaš with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Mrkopaljski Podmetaš as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad. It can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the baked dish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary. Serve it in a rustic baking dish or individual ramekins for an elegant touch.