Idrijski žlikrofi

Idrijski žlikrofi or Idrija is stuffed dumplings of Slovenia. These filled pastas used to be cooked by housewives for their husbands who worked in a mine nearby. Nowadays, stuffed dumplings from Idrija are officially protected by a geographical origin, mainly because of their specific production and a unique recipe.

The preparation of the dish is based on an old recipe that was described in the mid-19th century.

Idrija dumplings are traditonally stuffed inside with:

Potatoes

Onions

Fat: crackling pork fat or minced lard and smoked bacon

Spices: chopped marjoram, chives, black pepper, and salt

Idrija dumplings are similar in shape to ravioli, but are made from two thin layers of pasta that are pressed together and hold the stuffing in the middle. Preparation requires some skill, as the dimensions of a true žlikrof are well-defined, such as 3 centimeters in length and 2 centimeters in height.

The stuffed dumplings are cooked in water and served as a warm appetizer, side dish or one-course meal. Delicious Slovenian food from Idrija can be dressed with lamb and vegetable sauce, which the locals also call “bakalca”. However, bakalca can be made from mutton with sauce or rabbit meat.