Grilling > Croatian > Čvarci

Grilled Čvarci Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pork belly
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Special equipment needed:
- Grill
- Tongs

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the pork belly into small cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix together the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Add the pork belly cubes to the bowl and mix until the cubes are coated with the spice mixture.
5. Thread the pork belly cubes onto skewers.
6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork belly is crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let the Čvarci cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill temperature: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork belly can be substituted with bacon or pancetta.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the spice mixture for added flavor.
- Brush the Čvarci with a mixture of honey and soy sauce before grilling for a sweet and savory twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Use tongs to turn the skewers instead of a fork to prevent the juices from escaping and drying out the meat.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover Čvarci in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the Čvarci in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Čvarci on a platter with a side of pickled vegetables or sliced fresh vegetables.

Garnishes:
- Garnish the Čvarci with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve the Čvarci with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Suggested side dishes:
- Cabbage salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork belly is not crispy enough, increase the heat on the grill and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork belly is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Čvarci is a traditional Croatian dish made from pork belly or bacon that has been cooked until crispy.

Flavor profiles:
- The Čvarci are salty, smoky, and crispy with a hint of spice from the paprika and black pepper.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Čvarci as an appetizer or a snack.

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Region: Croatian

Taste: Smoky, Salty, Crispy, Savory, Aromatic