If there is one thing that we, the people from Bucovina, are known for, is the affinity for tasty, old fashioned, home made food. The Bucovina cuisine is appreciated for using mostly natural, organic ingredients, which, combined after centuries-old recipes, result in some of the most delicious, mouth-watering food dishes.
Scrijele
A good meal always starts with an appetizing appetizer :). And what could be more delicious that a portion of toasty gold-brown scrijele with garlic sauce or some home made traditional yogurt? I’ll tell you: Nothing! Well, except for the papanasi 🙂 But, we’ll get there a little bit later and you’ll see what I mean 🙂
These delicacies are made from sliced organic potatoes, slightly salted and cooked on a traditional wood stove. Yes, they are made the same way people used to cook more than 100 years ago. No gas, no pans, just tree wood and a scorching hot stove. And believe me, the taste is as rich and authentic as it gets.
Pan Fried Trout with Mamaliga (polenta) and Garlic sauce
Moving on to the main course, you really need to try the traditional pan fried trout. Trust me, you won’t be sorry 🙂
This savory dish is representative for the Bucovina area and it contains a medium-sized trout, dipped in corn flower and fried in sunflower oil. Next to it you can find a creamy (and smiley 🙂 ) mamaliga made also from corn flower boiled in hot water.
What I love about this dish is that the corn flower makes the skin extra-crispy and it perfectly complements the tender and juicy fish meat. Mmmm, just writing about it makes my mouth water :))
And to top it all off, add some home made garlic sauce and you have one of the most tasty main courses in Bucovina 🙂
Also, a little secret: it tastes even better if you eat it with your hands 😉
Mutton Pastrami with Sheep Milk Cheese and Mamaliga
If you are in the mood for something a little more solid, you can always try the mutton pastrami.
The portion is very generous so you won’t have to worry about not having your tummy full after lunch. The mutton meat is kept for a few hours in a bath of condiments and oil so that any trace of sheep-like smell fades out.
After that, it’s pan fried together with more aromatic herbs. And I tell you, the aroma is just exquisite!
It comes with mamaliga and a very rich and crumbly sheep milk cheese. You can also add some garlic sauce because, why not!? Everything is tastier with garlic, right? :))
Traditional Meats and Sausages Platter
Warning, gourmands! This platter is going to rock your taste buds’ world!
This amazing selection of meat, sausages, cheese and vegetables will give you a clearer perspective on why the Bucovina food is so appreciated.
The dish is perfect for a group of four as an appetizer but if you are not willing to share (not that I can blame you :)) ), you can wipe it out all by yourself.
The mini-feast contains
- slices of tender pork tenderloin
- a flavorsome vegetable spread mostly made from peppers, wild mushrooms and onions, slowly cooked on that legendary wood stove,
- a taste of pork-mutton sausages, full of garlic and herb aromas
- a traditional deli called ‘toba’ made from pork kidneys, chewy pork sorici (rind) and a little bit of bacon
- a bite of wild deer pastrami, which is considered a delicacy in the area
- some rich and crumbly sheep milk cheese
- all topped by swirls of savory pork sorici, crunchy bits of jumari (equivalent of bacon) and red onions
Yummmy!
I know, I know, it’s a lot to take in. Buuut, I have a tip that can help you work on an appetite 😉
Before digging in, order a glass of tuica and drink it. This traditional strong beverage (it has more that 24% alcohol) acts as a digestive and as a bonus, it helps your body clean the fat and cholesterol from your blood vessels. Tasty and healthy at the same time! :))
Papanasi with Whipped Cream and Cherry or Blueberry Jam
If you haven’t tasted papanasi, you have no idea what Heaven tastes like! Really, they’re that good!
These cheese-dough deep fried donuts just melt in your mouth from the first bite to the last. The soft and airy whipped cream together with the sweet and sour cherry/blueberry jam, make the perfect topping to this divine dessert.
I know that by know you probably can’t have another bite, but believe me, this dessert is totally worth it!
Enjoy!
P.S. I got really plump while staying there, but honestly, I’m not even sorry :))
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