Northern European Zlevanka

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Northern European cuisine. Instead of using traditional Croatian ingredients like cornmeal and cottage cheese, we substitute them with oats and yogurt, which are staples in Northern European cooking. The addition of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the cozy flavors of this dish, making it a perfect fit for the Northern European palate. We alse have the original recipe for Zlevanka, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (180g) rolled oats 2 cups (180g) rolled oats
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) mixed seasonal fruits (such as berries, apples, or pears), diced 1 cup (150g) mixed seasonal fruits (such as berries, apples, or pears), diced
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 18g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the oatmeal mixture and stir until well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the oatmeal mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. 5.
   Scatter the diced seasonal fruits over the oatmeal mixture, followed by the chopped nuts.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. 8.
   Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rolled oats — Make sure to use rolled oats instead of instant oats for a better texture in the bake.
• Seasonal fruits — Feel free to use any fruits that are in season to add freshness and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Yogurt — Opt for plain yogurt without added flavors or sweeteners to maintain the balance of flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the oatmeal mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle a little extra honey or maple syrup over the baked oatmeal before serving.
• Customize the spices to your liking by adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick and satisfying breakfast throughout the week.
• Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk for added creaminess.

Serving advice

Northern European Zlevanka is best served warm, straight from the oven. Cut it into squares or slices and serve it on its own or with a side of yogurt or a drizzle of honey. It can be enjoyed as a wholesome breakfast, a comforting brunch, or a delightful dessert.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the baked oatmeal with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves. Serve it on a rustic wooden platter or individual plates for an inviting and appetizing look.