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UK Cooking Club Explores Montenegrin Mountain Cuisine and Falls in Love with Its Simplicity

A group of women from the UK, united by their passion for cooking and discovering traditional recipes from around the world, recently embarked on a flavorful journey through the culinary heritage of Montenegro. As members of a cooking club that regularly tests and reviews dishes from different cultures, they chose to explore recipes from Gorska trpeza/Mountain Bounty, a cookbook published by the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije.

The women, coming from various professional backgrounds and regions of the UK, prepared several traditional Montenegrin dishes, including Lećenik, Cornmeal Green Pie (Zeljanik), Lenten Stuffed Cabbage with Walnuts (Posna sarma), Ashure (Ašure), Flija, Bilberry Cake, and Potato-Stuffed Peppers. Their experience with these recipes was overwhelmingly positive. They described Montenegrin mountain cuisine as simple yet rich, nourishing, and deeply satisfying – a stark contrast to the ultra-processed foods prevalent in modern diets.

In their feedback, the group highlighted how the dishes, based on locally available ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, provided a connection to nature and a sense of authenticity rarely found in contemporary gastronomy. They expressed their appreciation to the rural women of Montenegro who have preserved these recipes for generations and made them accessible to a global audience. They also adapted the recipes with ingredients they could find in the UK, adding their personal touch, as seen in the photos.

“Trying these dishes was like taking a journey to Montenegro without leaving our kitchens. The flavors were unique, yet the preparation was straightforward and rewarding. It’s wonderful to know that these traditional meals are still being made and shared,” one of the club members remarked.

The women discovered the recipes through www.montegastro.me, the dedicated website featuring Montenegrin traditional cuisine. This online platform allowed them to access the instructions and ingredients needed to bring the taste of the Montenegrin highlands into their homes.

Their enthusiasm for Montenegrin food serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional, home-cooked meals and the importance of preserving culinary heritage. By sharing their experience, they are also helping to spread awareness of Montenegro’s gastronomic culture beyond its borders.

The Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije is delighted to see Montenegrin traditional cuisine reaching food lovers abroad and remains committed to supporting local culinary traditions. Through initiatives like Gorska trpeza/Mountain Bounty and the Montegastro platform, we continue to showcase the unique and authentic flavors of our rural communities. Additionally, through projects like Interreg Danube Culinary Trail, the agency will continue promoting the culinary heritage of different ethnic communities and working towards integrating dishes from our region into the Danube culinary route.

We thank these passionate home cooks from the UK for embracing Montenegrin cuisine and for recognizing the hard work of our rural women in preserving these wonderful recipes. We invite food enthusiasts everywhere to try these dishes and experience a taste of Montenegro for themselves!

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