Mantala od Grozdja Recipe - A Delicious Croatian Dish

Mantala od Grozdja

Mantala od Grozdja Recipe - A Delicious Croatian Dish
Region / culture: Croatia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Mantala od Grozdja
Mantala od Grozdja

Mantala od Grozdja is a traditional Slovenian dessert made from grape juice, flour, sugar, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This sweet treat is perfect for serving at gatherings or as a special treat for yourself.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Slovenia, where grapes are abundant and used in many dishes. Mantala od Grozdja is a popular dessert during grape harvest season, as it celebrates the bountiful fruit of the vineyards.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Crush grapes until you have 1 gallon of juice, then strain and cook by boiling until 0.5 gallon of liquid is left. Slowly add flour, stirring constantly over a low flame.
  2. Add nutmeg and sugar, and stir well. Then, add lemon juice and pour into a rectangular pan.
  3. Let it cool in the pan for 2 days, then slice into inch squares and serve with drinks.

Variations

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
  • Try using different types of grapes for a unique twist on this traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to crush the grapes thoroughly to extract as much juice as possible.

- Stir the flour into the grape juice slowly to avoid lumps.

- Let the mixture cool for at least 2 days before slicing and serving for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mantala od Grozdja with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the grape juice and flour mixture slowly over a low flame is key to achieving the right consistency for Mantala od Grozdja.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole wheat flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Mantala od Grozdja can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mantala od Grozdja on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a variety of beverages, including dessert wines, coffee, or tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mantala od Grozdja in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mantala od Grozdja contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mantala od Grozdja contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

There is minimal fat content in Mantala od Grozdja, making it a relatively low-fat dessert option.

Proteins

This dessert contains minimal protein, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Grapes are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat flour, which may be a common allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Mantala od Grozdja is a sweet dessert that is relatively low in fat and protein, but provides a good source of carbohydrates and some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mantala od Grozdja is a delicious and traditional Slovenian dessert that celebrates the flavors of fresh grapes. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a sweet treat that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was given to me by my dear friend Milena, who had learned it from her own grandmother. Mantala od Grozdja, a traditional Serbian dessert made with grapes, was a dish that symbolized family, tradition, and love.

I remember the day Milena handed me the recipe, written on a yellowed piece of paper that had been passed down through generations. She explained to me that this dessert was often made during the grape harvest season, using the freshest grapes picked from the vineyards.

As I read through the instructions, I was struck by the simplicity of the ingredients: just grapes, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. It seemed almost magical that such basic ingredients could come together to create something so delicious.

I couldn't wait to try making Mantala od Grozdja myself. I gathered the juiciest grapes I could find from my own garden and set to work following the recipe to the letter.

The first step was to wash the grapes and remove the stems. As I worked, I couldn't help but think about all the hands that had done the same task before me, generations of women passing down this tradition from mother to daughter.

Next, I put the grapes in a large pot and added just enough water to cover them. I brought the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for several hours, stirring occasionally and watching as the grapes broke down and released their sweet juices.

As the aroma of cooking grapes filled my kitchen, I felt a sense of connection to my ancestors who had made this dessert before me. I imagined them standing over their own pots, stirring and tasting, just as I was doing now.

Finally, it was time to add the sugar and lemon juice. The sugar helped to bring out the natural sweetness of the grapes, while the lemon juice added a bright, citrusy note that balanced out the richness of the fruit.

After letting the mixture simmer for a bit longer, I poured it into a baking dish and popped it in the oven to bake until it was thick and bubbly. The scent that wafted from the oven was intoxicating, a mix of caramelized sugar and fruity goodness.

When the Mantala od Grozdja was finally done, I couldn't wait to try it. I spooned a generous portion onto a plate and took my first bite, savoring the sweet, jammy flavor of the grapes and the tangy kick of lemon.

It was everything I had hoped for and more. The Mantala od Grozdja was a taste of tradition, a reminder of the simple pleasures of homemade food and the love that goes into every dish.

As I sat at my kitchen table, enjoying my dessert, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Milena and her grandmother, for passing down this recipe to me. I knew that I would cherish it for years to come, sharing it with my own family and friends, and keeping the tradition alive for future generations.

And so, with a heart full of joy and a belly full of delicious Mantala od Grozdja, I thanked the universe for bringing this recipe into my life, and for all the wonderful memories it would create in the years to come.

Categories

| Cathy's Recipes | Croatian Recipes | Croatian Snacks | Grape Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Whole Wheat Flour Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients