Medvjeđa šapa

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Medvjeđa šapa or bear paw is a specialty from the Croatian region of Gorski Kotar. The paw is seasoned with salt and pepper, rolled in flour, and fried in hot oil until it develops a golden-yellow color. Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions are sautéed and enriched with prošek , wine, tomato juice, spices, and fruits such as blueberries, apples, and oranges in order to create a thick sauce. The paw is added to the sauce and cooked for a long time, about 5 hours, until it is completely tender. The dish is typically served with gnocchi, polenta, or the regional pasta variety called fuži .