10+ Best Montenegrin Recipes You Need To Try Once

Montenegro, a hidden gem in the Balkans, is not just about stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters.

Its cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, blending Mediterranean and Balkan influences into hearty, soul-satisfying dishes.

If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, Montenegrin recipes are your golden ticket.

Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds sing.

From creamy stews to flaky pastries, these dishes are packed with tradition, love, and a whole lot of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these recipes are guaranteed to impress. Let’s get started!

1. Kacamak (Montenegrin Cornmeal Porridge)

Kacamak is the ultimate comfort food in Montenegro.

Think of it as their version of polenta, but creamier, richer, and topped with cheese or kajmak (a creamy dairy spread).

It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup kajmak or sour cream
• 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• Salt to taste

How to make it:

1. Bring water and milk to a boil in a large pot.
2. Gradually add cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.
4. Serve hot, topped with kajmak or sour cream and crumbled feta cheese.

Why we chose it:
Kacamak is a staple in Montenegrin households, and for good reason. It’s simple, filling, and oh-so-comforting.

Plus, it’s a great way to experience the country’s love for hearty, rustic dishes.

2. Burek with Cheese (Flaky Cheese Pie)

Burek is a Balkan favorite, and Montenegro’s version is nothing short of amazing.

This flaky, cheesy pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo dough
• 2 cups feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup yogurt

How to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix feta, ricotta, and egg in a bowl.
3. Layer phyllo sheets in a baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
5. Top with more phyllo sheets, brush with butter, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt.

Why this made it to our list:
Burek is a crowd-pleaser, and this cheesy version is irresistible. It’s flaky, gooey, and downright delicious.

3. Njeguški Steak (Montenegrin Prosciutto-Wrapped Beef)

Njeguški Steak is a showstopper. Tender beef wrapped in smoky Njeguški pršut (Montenegrin prosciutto) and stuffed with cheese? Yes, please!

Ingredients:

• 4 beef steaks
• 8 slices Njeguški pršut (or any smoked ham)
• 1 cup kajmak or cream cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
2. Spread kajmak or cream cheese on each steak.
3. Wrap each steak with two slices of pršut.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side.
5. Serve hot with a side of roasted potatoes or veggies.

Why we selected it:
This dish is a flavor bomb. The combination of smoky pršut and creamy cheese takes the humble steak to a whole new level.

4. Riblja Čorba (Fish Stew)

Montenegro’s coastal region is famous for its seafood, and Riblja Čorba is a must-try.

This hearty fish stew is packed with fresh flavors and is perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 potatoes (diced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 4 cups fish stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions until translucent.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in fish stock and bring to a boil.
4. Add fish fillets and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Why this made it to our list:
Riblja Čorba is a taste of Montenegro’s coastal charm. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

5. Palačinke (Montenegrin Pancakes)

Palačinke are thin, crepe-like pancakes that can be sweet or savory. They’re a popular dessert in Montenegro, often filled with jam, chocolate, or nuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Butter for frying

How to make it:

1. Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and salt until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick pan and melt a little butter.
3. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden.
5. Serve with your favorite fillings or toppings.

Why we chose it:
Palačinke are versatile, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. They’re a sweet treat you’ll want to make again and again.

6. Pasulj (Montenegrin Bean Soup)

Pasulj is a hearty bean soup that’s a staple in Montenegrin cuisine. It’s simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add soaked beans and vegetable stock.
3. Simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with bread.

Why this made it to our list:
Pasulj is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for a cozy meal.

7. Sarma (Cabbage Rolls)

Sarma is a beloved dish across the Balkans, and Montenegro’s version is a must-try.

These cabbage rolls are stuffed with a savory filling and simmered to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 4 cups tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water until soft.
2. Mix ground beef, rice, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
4. Arrange rolls in a pot, cover with tomato sauce, and simmer for 1-2 hours.
5. Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt.

Why we selected it:
Sarma is a labor of love, and every bite is worth the effort. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions.

8. Punjene Paprike (Stuffed Peppers)

Punjene Paprike are bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of rice and meat, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds.
2. Mix ground beef, rice, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a pot.
4. Pour tomato sauce over the peppers and simmer for 1-2 hours.
5. Serve hot with bread or mashed potatoes.

Why this made it to our list:
Punjene Paprike are a classic Montenegrin dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

9. Kolači (Montenegrin Cookies)

Kolači are sweet, buttery cookies that are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to make it:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour.
3. Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden.
5. Let cool and enjoy!

Why we chose it:
Kolači are simple, sweet, and utterly delightful. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion.

10. Čorbast Pasulj (Bean and Meat Stew)

This hearty stew combines beans, meat, and veggies for a meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white beans
• 1 lb beef (cubed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and brown the beef.
2. Add onions, carrots, and beans, then pour in beef stock.
3. Simmer for 1-2 hours until tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Why this made it to our list:
Čorbast Pasulj is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for cold days.

11. Pita sa Sirom (Cheese Pie)

This savory pie is a Montenegrin favorite, filled with creamy cheese and baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo dough
• 2 cups feta cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup melted butter

How to make it:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix feta, ricotta, and egg in a bowl.
3. Layer phyllo sheets in a baking dish, brushing each layer with butter.
4. Spread cheese mixture over the phyllo layers.
5. Top with more phyllo sheets, brush with butter, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

Why we selected it:
Pita sa Sirom is cheesy, flaky, and absolutely irresistible.

Conclusion

Montenegrin cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and start cooking!