Varaždinska pečenka

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Believed to date back to the 16th century, Varaždinska pečenka is a Croatian meat dish which is always served cold. It consists of a bone-in cut of pork with the skin on. The skin is scored in a criss-cross pattern, and it is then studded with sprigs of rosemary, sticks of garlic, and cloves. The meat is seasoned with salt and pepper, then left to rest for at least 12 hours. It is then baked in an oven, ideally with potatoes and other vegetables surrounding the meat. When served, the dish is traditionally accompanied by mashed peas on the side.