National Dish Croatia: Šurlice s gulašem (Recipe)
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Few dishes capture the warmth of the Croatian table quite like Šurlice s gulašem. It brings together delicate, hand-rolled pasta and a deeply savoury beef goulash, simmered slowly until the meat is meltingly tender and the sauce is rich with paprika. Making the little quill-shaped noodles from scratch is a labour of love, and the reward is a hearty, soul-warming plate that turns any meal into a gathering. Bring a taste of the Istrian countryside straight to your own kitchen.
About Šurlice s gulašem
Šurlice s gulašem is a beloved Croatian national dish that embodies the rich tradition of Balkan cooking. It pairs hand-made pasta — known as šurlice — with a hearty goulash full of warm spices and deep aromas. Rolling these little quill-shaped noodles is an art in its own right, calling for patience and a steady hand. The result is not only a wonderfully satisfying dish but also a sense of togetherness, as it is the kind of meal that draws family and friends around the table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain flour
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- 500 g beef
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Ground paprika
- Olive oil
- 400 ml stock
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Šurlice s gulašem, it is well worth seeking out fresh, good-quality produce. Buy fresh vegetables and pick up your meat from a trusted butcher to get the most flavour from the dish. The flour matters too, as a good one makes the pasta far easier to handle and shape. Some local or Croatian markets may also stock special spices that can enrich the goulash even further.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Šurlice s gulašem begins with making the pasta. Tip the flour, the egg and a pinch of salt into a bowl and mix well until you have a smooth, even dough. Let it rest for around 30 minutes. While the dough relaxes, you can get started on the goulash by finely chopping the onions and garlic and cutting the beef into small cubes.
Step-by-step instructions
- Roll out the dough and cut it into long, slim noodles.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the onions and garlic.
- Add the beef and brown it well on all sides.
- Season with paprika and pepper.
- Pour in the stock and let everything simmer gently until the meat is tender.
- In a separate pan, cook the šurlice in boiling salted water.
- Drain the pasta and serve it with the goulash.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make Šurlice s gulašem gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for pasta, and check that your stock and spices are free from gluten too. For a lactose-free version, simply swap in lactose-free alternatives for any butter or stock the recipe might call for. It is always wise to read the labels on pre-made products to be sure they suit your dietary needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To adapt Šurlice s gulašem for vegans or vegetarians, you can replace the meat with a generous mix of vegetables and pulses. A combination of chickpeas, carrots and peppers works beautifully in the goulash. Use vegetable stock to give the dish its savoury depth, and remember to adjust the seasoning so the flavour stays full and intense without any animal products. A similar approach shines in a hearty Varivo Od Lece.
More tips and tricks
For a better texture, let the šurlice dough rest a little longer, or leave the rolled noodles to dry briefly before cooking. Experiment with spices such as caraway or bay leaves for extra depth in the goulash, and adjust the cooking times to reach the ideal tenderness. A splash of red wine stirred into the sauce will make the flavours richer and more rounded.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Šurlice s gulašem is a wonderfully flexible dish that adapts easily to different tastes. Like it hotter? Add chilli or a spicy paprika. If you prefer more vegetables, fold in courgette or aubergine for extra freshness. For a creamier finish, stir a little cream through the goulash once it has finished cooking. Be creative and shape the dish to suit your own preferences — much like the comforting Krpice Sa Zeljem.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have all the traditional ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives to fall back on. Chicken or pork can stand in for beef, while tofu or tempeh makes an excellent protein source for a vegan version. Dried herbs can replace fresh ones — just use a smaller amount, as their flavour is more concentrated. Substitutions like these can enrich the dish and lend it a fresh new character.
Drink pairing ideas
Šurlice s gulašem pairs beautifully with hearty red wines that echo the savoury notes of the dish. A fruity Merlot or a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon harmonises perfectly with the rich goulash. If you would rather avoid alcohol, a homemade lemonade or a fruity iced tea makes a refreshing match. These drinks help balance the flavours and round out the whole experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present Šurlice s gulašem attractively, serve it in rustic bowls or deep plates. A final scattering of fresh parsley or even a squeeze of lemon will brighten the colours and add a fresh note. Set the dish on a nicely laid table, perhaps with traditional Croatian sides such as pickled vegetables or a crisp salad. Candlelight or a decorative tablecloth helps capture that convivial atmosphere.
A bit of history
Šurlice s gulašem has its roots in Croatian tradition and is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings. The hand-made šurlice are a mark of craftsmanship as well as a symbolic link to past generations. Goulash itself originated in Hungarian cooking and was adapted over time with regional ingredients. Today the dish is a much-loved example of the diverse and welcoming Croatian cuisine, which blends home cooking with inventive technique.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Šurlice s gulašem
Šurlice s gulašem is a fantastic Croatian dish of hand-made pasta and a hearty goulash. The preparation calls for care and patience, but the result is a delicious and deeply satisfying meal. The freedom to tailor it to your own preferences makes it ideal for any occasion. Enjoy a taste of Croatian hospitality in your own home and let the flavours of Croatia work their magic.
