Indulge in the tantalizing taste of Croatia with our authentic Raznjici dish. A traditional Croatian delight, Raznjici is a savory skewer of succulent meat, typically pork or chicken, marinated to perfection in a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Grilled to juicy perfection, each bite bursts with the rich flavors of the Adriatic coast. Served alongside fresh vegetables and accompanied by a side of ajvar or creamy kajmak, this Croatian specialty promises a culinary journey through the heart of the Mediterranean. Whether you're exploring the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik or enjoying a seaside sunset in Split, our Raznjici dish brings the essence of Croatia to your table, inviting you to savor every moment of your culinary adventure.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of pork shoulder or chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 large onions, cut into chunks
• 2 large bell peppers (preferably red and green), cut into chunks
• Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water if wooden

For the marinade:

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, prepare the marinade by combining minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, sweet paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2- Add the cubed pork or chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into a resealable plastic bag. Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to enhance the flavors.

3- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

4- Thread the marinated meat cubes onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of onion and bell pepper.

5- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

6- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

7- Serve the Raznjici skewers hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), kajmak (creamy cheese), or simply with a side of crusty bread and a refreshing salad.

8- Enjoy the authentic flavors of Croatia with this delicious Raznjici dish, perfect for gatherings with family and friends or as a satisfying meal any day of the week!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a rough estimate of the nutritional values for the ingredients listed in the Croatian Raznjici recipe:

Pork Shoulder (per 100g):

• Calories: 242 kcal
• Protein: 20.5g
• Fat: 17.3g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides healthy fats that support cell function and hormone production.

Chicken Breast (per 100g):

• Calories: 165 kcal
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 3.6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• High in protein, aiding in muscle development and weight management.
• Low in fat, making it a lean meat option for those watching their fat intake.

Onions (per 100g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3g
• Fiber: 1.7g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and promote beneficial bacteria growth.

Bell Peppers (per 100g):

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2.1g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and supports collagen production.
• Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and quercetin, which may protect against cellular damage and inflammation.

Olive Oil (per tablespoon - 15ml):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• No significant protein, carbohydrates, or fiber

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Contains antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Red Wine Vinegar (per tablespoon - 15ml):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• No significant protein, fat, carbohydrates, or fiber

benefits:

• May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Contains acetic acid, which may aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.

Garlic (per clove):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Rich in sulfur compounds like allicin, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Sweet Paprika (per teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.7g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• Rich in vitamin A, which supports vision health and immune function.

Dried Thyme (per teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.7g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits:

• Contains essential oils like thymol, which have antimicrobial properties.
• May help relieve respiratory issues like coughs and congestion.

Dried Rosemary (per teaspoon):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants that protect cells from damage and inflammation.
• May improve cognitive function and memory retention.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific cut of meat, brand of ingredients, and cooking methods.