Cooking with Peka: A Delicious Dive into Tradition
When you think about Istrian cuisine, one word should spring to mind: peka. This beloved method of cooking over an open fire has stood the test of time and continues to be a cherished part of our culinary culture. So, what exactly is peka? Well, it’s a simple yet extraordinary way of preparing food, and while it may sound straightforward, there’s a bit more to it than just tossing ingredients together.
Picture this: you’ve got your meat or octopus, a handful of potatoes, and a medley of fresh vegetables. You place all these delicious goodies into a metal or clay lid and cover it with glowing coals. What emerges after a few hours is nothing short of magic! A well-cooked peka yields tender lamb or veal that’s so delightful, even the most discerning food lovers can’t help but appreciate it. It’s a true source of national pride and a delicious link to history.
Speaking of history, the origins of peka cooking run deep. Each peka is like a time capsule, reflecting our kitchen traditions that have hardly changed since prehistoric days. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the clay pekas from the 20th century look strikingly similar to those found in archaeological digs from the Hallstatt era (800-450 BC). How cool is that? People have been cooking over
an open flame for thousands of years, and that tradition has persisted across regions like Eastern Slovenia, Southern Hungary, and all the way to Italy.
In Croatia, talented local potters craft the ceramic peka. In the Adriatic and Dinaric regions, they’re shaped on a hand-turned potter’s wheel, while in Slavonia, molds are used. Interestingly, iron pekas made their way into the Balkans through the Ottoman Empire, often called “sač.” For a while, they disappeared from everyday life with the decline of open fires, but thankfully, they’ve made a comeback in restaurants across the region, bringing traditional flavors to modern dining.
Now, let’s talk about the shapes of these charming cooking domes. Historically, there were two main types: a bowl shape with two handles and a spherical shape with one handle on top, which is what most people use today. The peka is still a staple in many villages for baking bread and cooking hearty meals. It’s affordable, easy to use, and has countless names in different regions. In fact, there are dozens of terms for that dome-shaped lid used over an open hearth, but “peka” is definitely the crowd favorite in Croatia!
The origins of these lids can be traced back to the Bronze Age, with the earliest records found at sites like Erdut and Kiringrad in Croatia. Over the years, they spread across the western Balkans and eastern Adriatic coast to central Italy. The Illyrians adopted the peka around the mid-8th century BC, bringing this culinary gem to the Balkans.
When it comes to bread made in a peka, the experience is truly unique. Traditional bread under peka is typically crafted using just four simple ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. The magic lies in the preparation, which requires a certain level of intuition. No measuring cups here! Local
bakers usually eyeball the amounts, a practice that adds a personal touch to each loaf.
As the bread bakes beneath the hot dome, it absorbs the delicious smokiness from the coals, creating a crust that is both crispy and flavorful. The inside remains soft and fluffy, making it perfect for tearing apart and sharing. This bread is often enjoyed alongside various dishes cooked in the peka, from tender meats to roasted vegetables.
One of the beautiful things about bread cooked in peka is its versatility. It can be served as an accompaniment to meals, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil or a spread of local cheese. In many households, the aroma of fresh bread baking under peka is an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy a meal together, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
And let’s not forget the tantalizing pairing of peka-cooked bread with lamb or veal. This
combo will have your taste buds dancing! The smoky flavor from cooking over an open flame adds a delightful twist that enhances every bite, whether it’s fish or meat.
And if you think you’ve got what it takes to master the art of cooking under peka, check out this video of Gordon Ramsay! Watch as he dives into culinary chaos—because if anyone can make it look easy, it's him! Enjoy!
So, the next time you find yourself in Croatia, dive into the delicious world of peka cooking. You’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re savoring centuries of tradition and history that make each bite truly special. And don’t forget to ask for that freshly baked bread under peka—it’s a culinary experience you won’t want to miss!
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