Croatian-style Hortelano Purée

Ingredients

In this Croatian adaptation of Hortelano Purée, we incorporate traditional Croatian spices and herbs to infuse the dish with a distinct Mediterranean flavor. Additionally, we use locally available vegetables such as zucchini and onions to enhance the taste and texture of the purée, giving it a unique Croatian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Puré hortelano, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 250g (8.8 oz) carrots, peeled and diced 250g (8.8 oz) carrots, peeled and diced
• 250g (8.8 oz) zucchini, diced 250g (8.8 oz) zucchini, diced
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the diced potatoes, carrots, zucchini, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. 2.
   Drain the cooked vegetables and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
3. 3.
   Add olive oil, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the blender.
4. 4.
   Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
5. 5.
   Transfer the purée to a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley.
6. 6.
   Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Zucchini — Remove the seeds from the zucchini before dicing to prevent excess moisture in the purée.
• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, add a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk while blending.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of paprika to suit your taste.
• Serve the purée with a side of crusty bread or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish.
• Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or basil for added flavor variations.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either cold or reheated.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Hortelano Purée as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or as a side dish to complement your favorite Croatian dishes. It pairs well with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even as a filling for savory crepes.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top of the purée and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley. Serve it in a shallow bowl or on a decorative plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.