Quirky Foodster

Breads

Šokačka Pogača

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Ingredients

  • - 500 g (1.1 lb) plain flour
  • - 7 g (1 packet) instant dry yeast
  • - 250 ml (8.5 fl oz / 1 cup) warm water
  • - 150 g (5.3 oz) pork cracklings (■varci), finely chopped
  • - 1 tsp salt
  • - 1 tsp sugar
  • - 2 tbsp lard or oil, plus extra for greasing

Method

  1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl, then work in the yeast mixture and lard to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead in the chopped cracklings until evenly distributed.
  4. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled.
  5. Shape into a flat round on a greased baking tray, score the top in a criss-cross pattern.
  6. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Introduction: This Slavonian flatbread studded with pork cracklings (čvarci) is a hearty regional specialty from eastern
Croatia's fertile plains, traditionally baked for harvest gatherings and festive occasions where cracklings were a
prized byproduct of home pig slaughter.

Cultural Background: This Slavonian flatbread studded with pork cracklings (čvarci) is a hearty regional specialty from eastern
Croatia's fertile plains, traditionally baked for harvest gatherings and festive occasions where cracklings were a
prized byproduct of home pig slaughter.

Tips: Rendered cracklings can be found at Central European butchers if not making your own. Let the bread cool for
at least 15 minutes before slicing to set the crumb.

Variations: A version with caramelized onion in place of cracklings is popular for a lighter, vegetarian take.

Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-8 minutes to refresh.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 310 kcal, 9 g protein, 14 g fat, 36 g carbohydrate.

FAQs

Q: What are čvarci?
A: čvarci are crispy rendered pork cracklings, a traditional byproduct of home pig slaughter in continental Croatia.

Q: Can this bread be made without cracklings?
A: Yes, a plain or onion version is a common lighter alternative.