Croatian Traditional Cuisine - Octopus under ''peka'' (under the lid) - Hobotnica ispod peke

In this video you can see the process of preparing octopus under ''peka'' (under the lid). What is ''peka''?
First of all, this is the traditional way of preparing food of people who are living along the croatian coast (as well as on croatian islands and the hinterland).
In short, dishes made under ''peka'' are various types of meat, fish and vegetables which are cooked/roasted (baked) in a round pot, bowl or a tray, covered with iron lid which is covered and heated with embers from the fireplace. Also, home made bread can be also baked under ''peka''.
Taste of the dishes made under ''peka''? Perfect! Dishes made under ''peka'' are incredibly juicy and aromatic. However, although at first glance it all seems simple, it is not. If you are preparing dishes under the lid you must know exactly how much fervor is necessary so that all ingredients under ''peka'' are sufficiently cooked, baked enough. That knowledge is acquired by experience.

Now we come to the people whose preparation of octopus under ''peka'' we recorded; family Štokić, that is rural or country household ''Topolino'' on the island of Rab.
This is not a fancy restaurant, here you will not be judged by your clothes or by the size of your car or according to your order . . . . here you will be welcomed as friends . . . without a trained smile.

Their cuisine is based mostly on seafood and fish but we must not forget the dried delicacies like pork ham and homemade sausages (all these products are dried on the north wind called "bura"/bora). For a distinctive and unique flavor of their meals, merits go to their home made olive oil, vinegar ("kvasina"), organically grown vegetables from their garden and lots of Mediterranean spices like cloves, immortelle and sweet basil, lavender, sage,. . . Be sure to taste their wine, especially red wine!

In ''Topolino'', each dish is prepared according to the choice and desire of the guest. They will begin to collect the ingredients for meal only after you announce them your arrival and after you choose your dish. Not before.
That is not a problem; ''Topolino'' is located by the sea and below the terrace there is a ''Topolino's'' private FKK beach so you can wait for your meal while swimming or just lying in the sun (but not between 11AM till 17 PM - beware of burns).

If you are on the Island of Rab -- be sure to visit. If you are in the neighborhood of the island of Rab -- do not hesitate -- be sure to visit: you will not regret it.

Also, you can visit Rural Household ''Topolino'' web site; http://www.topolino-rab.com/en/

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