Bosnian and Herzegovinian cuisine is a hidden gem in the culinary world. It’s a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western influences.
With hearty flavors, rich spices, and comforting dishes that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy kitchen in Sarajevo.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your horizons, you’re in for a treat. These recipes are packed with flavor, history, and a whole lot of love.
Ready to dive into a world of savory pies, grilled meats, and soul-warming stews? Buckle up, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a trip they won’t forget.
From the iconic Ćevapi to the sweet delight of Tufahija, these Bosnian and Herzegovinian recipes are must-tries. Let’s get cooking!
1. Ćevapi – The Ultimate Grilled Delight
Ćevapi (pronounced cheh-VAH-pee) is the superstar of Bosnian cuisine.
These little grilled sausages are made from a mix of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a hint of salt.
They’re typically served in a flatbread called somun, topped with raw onions and a dollop of kaymak (a creamy dairy product).
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Somun or pita bread for serving
- Chopped onions and kaymak for garnish
How to Make It:
Mix the ground beef, lamb, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape the mixture into small sausage-like rolls.
Grill them on medium-high heat until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Serve them in somun bread with onions and kaymak.
Why We Chose It:
Ćevapi is the heart and soul of Bosnian street food. It’s simple, flavorful, and downright addictive.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a national treasure.
2. Burek – The Flaky, Savory Pie
Burek is a golden, flaky pastry filled with minced meat, cheese, or spinach.
It’s a staple in Bosnian households and bakeries, often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- 1 egg
How to Make It:
Cook the ground beef with onions, salt, and pepper until browned. Layer phyllo dough in a greased baking dish, brushing each layer with a mix of yogurt, sparkling water, and egg.
Add the meat filling between layers. Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Burek is the ultimate comfort food. Its crispy layers and savory filling make it impossible to resist.
3. Sarma – Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Sarma is a hearty dish of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of ground beef, rice, and spices, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups tomato sauce
How to Make It:
Boil the cabbage to soften the leaves. Mix ground beef, rice, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Roll the mixture into cabbage leaves and place them in a pot. Pour tomato sauce over the rolls and simmer for 2 hours.
Why We Chose It:
Sarma is a labor of love, and every bite is worth the effort. It’s a dish that brings families together.
4. Begova Čorba – Bey’s Soup
Begova Čorba is a creamy chicken and vegetable soup with a touch of okra for thickness. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup okra
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Make It:
Boil the chicken with onions, carrots, and potatoes until tender. Add okra and simmer until thickened.
Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
This soup is fit for royalty—literally. It’s creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
5. Klepe – Bosnian Dumplings
Klepe are delicate dumplings filled with ground beef, served with a garlicky yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How to Make It:
Mix ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper for the filling. Make a dough with flour, egg, and water.
Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and fill with meat. Boil the dumplings and serve with a sauce made from yogurt and garlic.
Why We Chose It:
Klepe are little pockets of joy. The combination of tender dumplings and tangy sauce is a winner.
6. Grah – Bean Stew
Grah is a hearty bean stew made with smoked meat, onions, and paprika.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white beans
- 1 lb smoked beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Make It:
Soak the beans overnight. Cook them with smoked beef, onions, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until tender.
Why We Chose It:
Grah is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, smoky, and perfect for a cozy night in.
7. Tufahija – Stuffed Apples
Tufahija is a sweet dessert of poached apples stuffed with walnuts and topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- 4 apples
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Whipped cream for topping
How to Make It:
Core the apples and poach them in sugar water. Fill them with walnuts and top with whipped cream.
Why We Chose It:
Tufahija is a sweet, elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
8. Pita Sirnica – Cheese Pie
Pita Sirnica is a flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 cups feta cheese
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 egg
How to Make It:
Layer phyllo dough with a mixture of feta, yogurt, and egg. Bake until golden.
Why We Chose It:
This cheesy, flaky pie is a crowd-pleaser.
9. Japrak – Stuffed Vine Leaves
Japrak is vine leaves stuffed with rice and ground beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 jar vine leaves
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Make It:
Mix ground beef, rice, onion, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into vine leaves and simmer in water.
Why We Chose It:
Japrak is a flavorful, bite-sized delight.
10. Baklava – Sweet Nutty Pastry
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 cups mixed nuts, chopped
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water
How to Make It:
Layer phyllo dough with nuts and butter. Bake and pour honey syrup over the top.
Why We Chose It:
Baklava is a sweet, crunchy treat that’s impossible to resist.
11. Uštipci – Fried Dough Balls
Uštipci are fluffy fried dough balls, often served with cheese or jam.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix flour, egg, yogurt, and salt. Fry spoonfuls of dough until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Uštipci are simple, versatile, and downright delicious.
Conclusion
There you have it—11 mouthwatering Bosnian and Herzegovinian recipes that’ll transport you to the heart of the Balkans.
Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or somewhere in between, these dishes have got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and start cooking. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.