Taste the Adriatic: Authentic Brudet Recipe

Get ready to dip your toes into a sea of savory delights as we set sail for the sun-soaked shores of the Adriatic! Picture yourself basking in the salty breeze, with the tantalizing aroma of bubbling seafood stew swirling around you. Join us on a culinary escapade like no other, where every bite is a celebration of culture, community, and the endless treasures of the sea.

In this mouthwatering journey, we'll embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of Brudet, a beloved seafood sensation that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavor. But hold on tight—this ride isn't just about stirring pots and pans. It's a joyous voyage of discovery, filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments by the water's edge.

So, grab your favorite apron, summon your inner chef, and prepare for a taste bud adventure like never before! From the sizzle of the stove to the clink of glasses raised in toast, let's dive headfirst into the deliciousness of Croatian coastal cuisine. Get ready to create memories that will make waves for years to come. Welcome aboard—your culinary adventure awaits!

Let's start

For a fish stew, you can use various types of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. We'll list just a few, such as sea bass, scorpionfish, and hake, but you can also add shrimp and other crustaceans and shellfish. Generally, the rule is, the more variety of fish, the tastier the stew.

But don't be immediately intimidated and give up on preparing this delicacy because you can literally make it from anchovies that you can find for as little as 20 kn per kilogram. And believe us - anchovy stew is phenomenal!

Preparation time: cleaned fish: 40 minutes

For 6 persons

• 1 kg mixed fish fillets (such as sea bass, monkfish, or red mullet
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1/2 cup
• olive oil 1/2 cup
• white wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: a pinch of saffron for extra flavor

The path to excellence in brudet is then outlined by adding any type of shellfish – lobster, scampi, large prawns..

You should choose a wide dish, for example, a deep pan, because it is important to have only one layer of fish.

In abundant olive oil, place finely chopped onion, 2-3 bay leaves, and a piece of hot chili pepper. Let the onion wilt – it should not turn yellow. Now add chopped (or simply crushed by hand) peeled tomatoes and 2-3 tablespoons of tomato puree. In the meantime, you have obtained the finished sauce – now remove the pot from the heat, add vinegar and white wine, and arrange the fish that you have cut into pieces - lay it, season with salt, pepper, and shake the dish.

Return the pan to the heat – cover it and let it come to a boil at high temperature. Let it cook for a few minutes, shake it, wait for the fish to release its liquid, and then reduce the heat and continue cooking covered for another ten minutes.

Crabs and shells are added somewhere near the end. A few more minutes of cooking are left – shake it, taste it to adjust if needed. In the end, garnish with parsley leaves.

In Croatia, food is more than just sustenance—it's a celebration of life, culture, and community. Gathering with friends and family by the sea is a cherished tradition, where the sound of waves and the scent of salty air create the perfect backdrop for shared meals and cherished memories.

As the Brudet simmers on the stove, engage your guests in conversation, storytelling, and laughter, savoring the anticipation of the meal to come.

Experience the essence of Croatian coastal cuisine and the joy of gathering by the sea with our authentic Brudet recipe. Whether enjoyed in the company of friends and family or prepared for a solo feast, this hearty seafood stew captures the spirit of the Adriatic and the warmth of Croatian hospitality.

Embrace the tradition of gathering, making friends, and savoring life's simple pleasures as you embark on your culinary journey through the flavors of Croatia.