Popara with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) milk 4 cups (950ml) milk
• 4 slices of stale bread, preferably rustic or sourdough 4 slices of stale bread, preferably rustic or sourdough
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 12g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
2. 2.
   Tear the stale bread into small pieces and add them to the warm milk. Let it soak for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the milk and bread mixture, stirring continuously.
5. 5.
   Add the butter, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Stale bread — If you don't have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread slices in the oven until they become slightly dry. This will help the bread absorb the milk mixture better.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your Popara.
• Serve the Popara with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• You can add sautéed onions or garlic to the mixture for an extra savory twist.
• Leftover Popara can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick and delicious breakfast.

Serving advice

Serve the Popara hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle a pinch of paprika or dried herbs on top of the Popara just before serving. Serve it in rustic bowls or traditional Serbian pottery for an authentic touch.