Recipe

Zlevanka with a Twist

Savory Cornmeal Delight: Zlevanka Reinvented

4.4 out of 5

Zlevanka is a traditional Croatian dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the country. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic Zlevanka, infusing it with new flavors and textures.

Pie› Zlevanka

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Croatian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

30-35 minutes

Total time

45-50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Lactose-free (if using lactose-free cheese)

Allergens

Dairy (if using dairy cheese), Eggs, Gluten (from all-purpose flour)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Keto

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
3 eggs 3 eggs
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as feta or Parmesan) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as feta or Parmesan)
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 42g (4g sugars)
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2.
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and olive oil.
4.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
5.
Fold in the grated cheese, parsley, and chives.
6.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.
7.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8.
Allow the Zlevanka to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the Zlevanka.
Fresh herbs — If you don't have fresh parsley or chives, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add cooked bacon or sautéed onions to the Zlevanka mixture.
Serve the Zlevanka warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Leftover Zlevanka can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Zlevanka is best served warm as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone breakfast or brunch dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top of the baked Zlevanka before serving. You can also garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated cheese.