Torta od graha

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Torta od graha is a sweet cake from the continental regions of Croatia, especially the north and Zagorje, where cooked beans are used as the main base for the sponge, creating a dessert with a moist texture and a subtle nutty aroma. It has long been prepared in home kitchens for family gatherings and festive occasions, and it remains part of regional culinary practice. The preparation starts with cooked and mashed beans, mixed with egg yolks or whole eggs, sugar, sometimes ground walnuts, and a small amount of flour or breadcrumbs. Whipped egg whites can be folded in to lighten the mixture. Once the batter is baked, the sponge cake is sliced into layers, which can be spread either with a simple milk-based butter cream or plum jam.