Croatian-inspired Vegetarian Feast

Ingredients

While the Indian Sadhya traditionally consists of a variety of curries, rice, and lentil dishes, this Croatian-inspired Vegetarian Feast takes a different approach. It replaces the Indian spices with Croatian herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, and paprika, to infuse the dish with a Mediterranean flair. The use of local Croatian vegetables and ingredients adds a unique twist to the dish, creating a fusion of flavors that is both familiar and exciting. We alse have the original recipe for Sadhya, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants (aubergines) 2 large eggplants (aubergines)
• 4 zucchini 4 zucchini
• 2 red bell peppers 2 red bell peppers
• 2 yellow bell peppers 2 yellow bell peppers
• 1 large onion 1 large onion
• 4 cloves of garlic 4 cloves of garlic
• 500g (17.6 oz) tomatoes 500g (17.6 oz) tomatoes
• 500g (17.6 oz) potatoes 500g (17.6 oz) potatoes
• 250g (8.8 oz) mushrooms 250g (8.8 oz) mushrooms
• 200g (7 oz) green beans 200g (7 oz) green beans
• 200g (7 oz) carrots 200g (7 oz) carrots
• 200g (7 oz) cauliflower 200g (7 oz) cauliflower
• 200g (7 oz) broccoli 200g (7 oz) broccoli
• 200g (7 oz) peas 200g (7 oz) peas
• 200g (7 oz) corn 200g (7 oz) corn
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley 1 bunch of fresh parsley
• 1 bunch of fresh dill 1 bunch of fresh dill
• 1 bunch of fresh basil 1 bunch of fresh basil
• 1 bunch of fresh rosemary 1 bunch of fresh rosemary
• 1 bunch of fresh thyme 1 bunch of fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Slice the eggplants, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and garlic into bite-sized pieces.
3. 3.
   Dice the tomatoes and potatoes into small cubes.
4. 4.
   Slice the mushrooms.
5. 5.
   Trim the green beans and carrots, and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
6. 6.
   Separate the cauliflower and broccoli into florets.
7. 7.
   In a large baking dish, combine all the vegetables, except for the peas and corn.
8. 8.
   Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
9. 9.
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
10. 10.
    Meanwhile, cook the peas and corn in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
11. 11.
    Once the roasted vegetables are ready, remove them from the oven and gently mix in the cooked peas and corn.
12. 12.
    Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, dill, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
13. 13.
    Serve hot as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite Croatian bread or rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — To reduce bitterness, sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplants and let them sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and using.
• Potatoes — For a crispier texture, parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before adding them to the baking dish.
• Mushrooms — Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of washing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Cauliflower and broccoli — Steam the florets for a few minutes before adding them to the baking dish to ensure they are cooked evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a refreshing twist.
• Serve with Croatian ajvar (red pepper spread) for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day as a delicious cold salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-inspired Vegetarian Feast as a main course for a hearty and satisfying meal. Accompany it with freshly baked Croatian bread or steamed rice to complete the experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the roasted vegetables in a colorful and visually appealing manner on a large serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.