Croatian-style Tapas

Ingredients

While Spanish tapas are known for their bold flavors and Mediterranean influence, Croatian-style Tapas incorporates the unique ingredients and traditional flavors of Croatian cuisine. Expect to find a delightful blend of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and locally sourced produce, all inspired by the Adriatic Sea. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mussels 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mussels
• 250g (8.8 oz) octopus, cleaned and tenderized 250g (8.8 oz) octopus, cleaned and tenderized
• 200g (7 oz) prawns, peeled and deveined 200g (7 oz) prawns, peeled and deveined
• 200g (7 oz) fresh anchovies 200g (7 oz) fresh anchovies
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the mussels and cook until they open, approximately 5 minutes. Discard any unopened mussels. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the octopus, prawns, anchovies, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the seafood.
4. 4.
   Grill the marinated seafood for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   Arrange the grilled seafood and mussels on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure all mussels are tightly closed before cooking. Discard any that do not open after cooking.
• Octopus — Tenderize the octopus by boiling it in water with a cork or adding a pinch of baking soda to the boiling water.
• Prawns — To devein prawns, make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark vein.
• Anchovies — If fresh anchovies are not available, you can use canned anchovies packed in oil. Rinse them before using to remove excess saltiness.
• Lemon — Use organic lemons for the zest to avoid any wax or pesticides.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, marinate the seafood for 30 minutes before grilling.
• Serve the Croatian-style Tapas with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Don't overcook the seafood to maintain its tenderness and juiciness.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Tapas as an appetizer or part of a tapas spread. Accompany it with a refreshing salad or a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled seafood and mussels on a rustic wooden platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant and inviting presentation.