April 17, 2023 – High in the hills above gorgeous Omis is a truly unique place, where culturally protected food is prepared in an independent republic – making soparnik is the Poljica Republic.
One of the secrets of tourism in Croatia is the simplicity of its cuisine, the freshness of its products, and the unlimited unique and authentic experiences. It is wonderful to watch how some enterprising locals are taking the simple pleasures in life which cost almost nothing, then package them up as an authentic experience which completely wows their visitors.
The case of soparnik, a delicious dish now under EU cultural protection, is a case in point. Regarded as peasant food for as long as anyone can remember, the ingredients are very, very basic, and yet today it has become one of the must-try culinary experiences on a visit to Dalmatia and especially the area about Omis, which is the soparnik heartland. And not only a culinary tourism experience, but some enterprising locals have turned this into a full-blown excursion and cooking experience in the rather fabulous Poljica Republic, a bastion of independence from the 12th century all what way until the arrival of Napoleon 700 years.
The Poljica Republic was a network of 12 towns from the Cetina River further inland, which had its own statute and regulations, and which was very advance in its governance, effectively resisting Ottoman invasion for over 400 years. Its flexible statute changed with the times, and it was written by the people, for the people. Its core values included the freedom of all residents to fend for themselves, zero tax, and the election of the Duke of Poljica each year.
The republic may be no more, but its legacy lives on, and a guided tour of the excellent museum, combined by a cooking lesson in making soparnik is a superb way to experience the tradition and cuisine of this rather unique slice of inland Dalmatia. Check out the CROMADS experience video below.
And the ingredients which go into making soparnik? Nothing too complicated or expensive – 500 g all-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups), 1/2 tsp. salt, 4 Tbls. olive oil, 50 ml water (1 1/4 cup), 1 bunch parsley leaves, 1 kg chard (2.2 lbs), 1 bunch spring onions, salt, 3-4 garlic cloves, olive oil, and Fresh parsley leaves.
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