Sweet, salty, boiled, baked! Strukli are a taste link between Croatia and Slovenia

Strukli is a dish deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Croatia and Slovenia. Both countries love this simple but extremely tasty dish, which can be prepared in various ways—sweet, salty, boiled, or baked.

It is a dish that has its roots in the rural areas of the northern parts and was originally prepared as a modest dish that housewives made from available ingredients – flour, fresh cheese, and cream. In Croatia, the most famous are the Zagorski štrukli, which originate from Hrvatsko Zagorje, and are also gladly prepared in Međimurje, while in Slovenia the same dish is called štruklji. They also have a long history and were developed in different regions, from Prekmurje to Lower Carniola.

Štruklji, Photo: Dean Dubokovič, www.slovenia.info

ALTHOUGH THEY SHARE A SIMILAR BASIC RECIPE, STRUKLI DIFFER IN THE TYPE OF DOUGH, FILLING AND METHOD OF PREPARATION.

Similarities:

Both variants use stretched dough that is filled with a filling, usually cheese. They can be boiled or baked.

Differences:

In Croatia, štrukli from Zagorje are often covered with cream, and they can be baked in the oven, while in Slovenia, štruklji are more often served in the form of soup or with spices such as breadcrumbs and butter. Slovenian štruklji also offer a variety of sweet fillings, including nuts, poppy seeds, or even dried fruit.

Zagorje štrukli can often be tasted in traditional Zagorje restaurants or at culinary events such as Štruklijada, which takes place in Bedekovčina in mid-July. In Slovenia, štruklji are served as an appetizer, side dish or dessert, and are especially popular at traditional fairs and in local taverns.

Štrukli, Photo: Bonč, CC BY-SA 3.0

RECIPES FOR STRUKLI

Sweet štruklji, restaurant St. Jošt Slovenia, Photo: Adria.fun

Strukli are more than a dish – they are a symbol of the tradition and taste of the region. I invite you to try them at home according to these recipes or in an authentic preparation in Croatian and Slovenian restaurants. No matter what you choose, the taste of štrukli will surely delight you!