World Flavors Cookbook

Montenegro Recipes

Montenegrin cuisine is a soulful blend of Mediterranean coastal flavors and hearty mountain fare. Influenced by its geography and history, it features world-class smoked meats, artisan cheeses, fresh Adriatic seafood, and slow-cooked stews.

Recipes from Montenegro

• Njeguški Pršut

  Montenegro's most prized delicacy—a whole pork leg salted with sea salt, cold-smoked over beech wood for months, and air-dried in the unique mountain-sea air of the village of Njeguši.

• Kačamak (Cornmeal Porridge)

  A hearty and thick cornmeal porridge enriched with mashed potatoes, local cheese, and cream.

• Ćevapi u Lepinji

  Grilled minced sausages made from a blend of beef and lamb, served in a warm, pillowy flatbread with onions and kajmak.

• Cicvara (Cheese-Cornmeal Porridge)

  A rich, melt-in-the-mouth porridge made by cooking cornmeal in melted fat and plenty of fresh cheese and kajmak.

• Brav u Mlijeku (Lamb in Milk)

  A spectacular celebratory dish where lamb is slow-cooked in milk with root vegetables and spices until the meat is incredibly tender.

• Priganice (Fried Dough Balls)

  Light, airy fried dough balls, the quintessential Montenegrin welcome snack.

• Raštan sa Suvim Mesom (Collard Greens with Smoked Meat)

  A dark green collard-like kale variety slow-cooked with a variety of smoked pork and beef.

• Njeguški Štek (Njeguši Steak)

  A veal or pork schnitzel stuffed with pršut and cheese, rolled and grilled or fried.

• Popara (Bread and Cheese Porridge)

  A comforting breakfast dish made from stale bread softened in water and enriched with cheese and cream.

• Pogača (Ritual Bread)

  A round, ornate loaf of bread, essential for celebrations and ritual occasions.

• Paštrovski Makaruli

  Hand-rolled pasta from the Paštrovići region, traditionally served with a rich meat sauce or cheese.

• Crni Rižot (Black Risotto)

  A striking jet-black risotto made with cuttlefish ink and fresh Adriatic seafood.

• Skadarski Krap (Lake Skadar Carp)

  Fresh carp from Lake Skadar prepared with dried plums, apples, and quince in a sweet and savory sauce.

• Podgorički Popeci

  Veal rolls stuffed with pršut and cheese, breaded and fried until crispy.

• Urmašice (Syrup Biscuits)

  Sweet, shell-shaped biscuits soaked in a heavy lemon-scented sugar syrup.

• Japrak (Stuffed Kale Leaves)

  Small rolls made from the local raštan kale leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice.

• Njeguški Pršut Sandwich

  A simple but glorious sandwich featuring paper-thin slices of smoked ham and local cheese in a crusty roll.

• Buzara (Seafood in Wine Sauce)

  Fresh shrimp, mussels, or scampi cooked in a simple sauce of garlic, olive oil, white wine, and parsley.

• Kolašinski Lisnati Sir (Layered Cheese)

  A unique, paper-thin layered cheese from the Kolašin region, served as part of an appetizer platter.

• Paštrovska Pogača

  A coastal version of the celebration bread, often containing olives or herbs.

• Patišpanj (Sponge Cake)

  A simple, airy sponge cake that is the base for many Montenegrin desserts or enjoyed plain with coffee.

• Sogan Dolma (Stuffed Onions)

  Whole onions stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat and rice, slow-cooked in a tangy sauce.

• Prebranac (Baked Beans)

  Giant white beans baked with massive amounts of caramelized onions and paprika until thick and crusty.

• Crnogorska Rakija

  The potent fruit brandy of Montenegro, usually made from grapes (Loza) or plums.

• Sir iz Ulja (Cheese in Oil)

  Hard cubes of local sheep or cow cheese preserved in a jar of extra virgin olive oil with herbs.

• Tulumba

  Fried dough ridges soaked in a heavy sugar syrup, similar to churros but syrupy.

• Kalake (Fried Fish)

  Small fish from the lake or sea, lightly floured and fried until crispy.

• Tespišta

  A dense, oily cake made with flour and walnuts, soaked in syrup.

• Pašticada (Slow-Cooked Beef)

  Beef slow-cooked in a complex sauce of wine, prunes, and spices, served with gnocchi.

• Kozji Sir (Goat Cheese)

  Sharp, intense goat cheese from the rocky karst mountains.