Indulge in the rich flavors of Croatian cuisine with Pasticada, a beloved dish that encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cooking. Pasticada features succulent beef marinated in a robust sauce of red wine, vinegar, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection until tender. This culinary masterpiece is often served with homemade gnocchi or creamy mashed potatoes, offering a symphony of tastes and textures that delight the palate. Discover the authentic taste of Croatia with Pasticada, a dish cherished for its depth of flavor and cultural significance.

Here's a traditional recipe for Croatia's Pasticada:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cloves
• 4 juniper berries
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Cooked gnocchi or mashed potatoes, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, combine the red wine, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, bay leaves, cloves, juniper berries, black peppercorns, and salt. Add the cubed beef to the marinade, ensuring it's fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight, allowing the beef to marinate and absorb the flavors.

2- After marinating, remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for later use.

3- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

4- In the same pot, add the tomato paste and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. Then, return the beef cubes to the pot.

5- Pour in the reserved marinade along with the beef broth, ensuring the beef is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Pasticada simmer gently for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more beef broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

7- Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves and any whole spices that remain in the pot.

8- In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the Pasticada to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.

9- Serve the Pasticada hot over cooked gnocchi or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Croatian dish with your loved ones!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a rough estimate of the nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the Pasticada recipe:

Beef Chuck Roast (2 pounds):

• Calories: 2300
• Protein: 190g
• Fat: 160g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in iron, important for red blood cell production and oxygen transport.
• Provides zinc, necessary for immune function and wound healing.
• Contains B vitamins like B12 and niacin, which support energy metabolism.

Red Wine (1 cup):

• Calories: 125
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
• May improve heart health by increasing levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.
• Moderate consumption may lower the risk of certain cancers and improve longevity.

Red Wine Vinegar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• May aid in digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid.
• Contains acetic acid, which may help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Can be used as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer in cooking.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to overall skin health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.
• Contains vitamins A and C, important for immune function and vision health.
• Adds flavor and richness to dishes without adding a significant amount of calories or fat.

Gnocchi or Mashed Potatoes (1 serving):

• Calories: Varies depending on type and serving size
• Protein: Varies
• Fat: Varies
• Carbohydrates: Varies

benefits:

• Provide carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.
• Can be a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.
• Depending on preparation methods, may contribute essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific ingredients, brands, cooking methods, and serving sizes. For more precise nutritional information, it's recommended to use specific product labels or nutritional databases.