The traditional event "Days of okra" will be held tomorrow, August 18, on Cervantes Square inside the "Palace Venezia" in the Old Town of Ulcinj, starting at 20 p.m.
The small jubilee, since the event dedicated to the miraculous plant with unique taste and medicinal properties will be held for the fifth time, comes at a time when "Ulcin style okra" in Montenegro became the ninth protected product with a quality mark, i.e. a guaranteed traditional specialty.
"This thematic manifestation about the plant that is grown in our area made it possible to give tourists and all visitors the opportunity to taste this gastronomic specialty - otherwise the ninth protected product with the quality mark of Montenegro - the guaranteed traditional specialty "Okra in the Ulcinj style", they announced from of the "Palata Venezia" hotel, which organizes the event.
They point out that the goals of the event are numerous and extremely important not only for the local population but also at the national level.
"In addition to educating foreign and local visitors about okra itself due to its extremely wide spectrum both in terms of gas and medicinal properties, the event provides a springboard and incentive for hard-working growers of this unique plant to invest even more in its cultivation and thereby increase their yields from its production and marketing on the local market, and hopefully in the near future on the foreign market as well", said the organizers.
An integral part of the traditional thematic-educational and motivational event is also an appropriate cultural and entertainment program. The organizers said that the Ulcinj-style okra tasting is free for all visitors.
After branding okra in the Ulcinj way in May, the relevant ministry announced that it is a gastronomic specialty, a ready-made vegetable dish with the addition of meat, which has become recognizable over time as the most commonly prepared and typical of Ulcinj due to its specific production method. The basic raw material in the gastronomic specialty is okra.
Okra in the Ulcinj style is a specialty among dishes that has its own unique recipe and production method that requires great precision, skill and knowledge. It is considered a Montenegrin culinary specialty and a traditional and authentic feature of Ulcinj cuisine, already decades ago," said the Ministry.
They stated that okra in the Ulcinj style is characterized by a rich assortment of smells and tastes and pleasant sensations in the mouth that give a feeling of fullness, juiciness and satiety.
One of the most famous chefs from Ulcinj Agim Sinanović (75), who has been baking since he was seventeen, says that okra in the Ulcinj style is his favorite dish that he likes to prepare. And a few months ago, he revealed the recipe for four people to "Vijesti" for that wonderful dish.
A kilogram of okra, 700 grams of veal, half a kilogram of onion, fresh tomatoes, salt, vegetables, pepper and tomato sauce are needed for a juicy and tasty dish, which he has prepared countless times in his life.
"The loops are cut from the okra, and they are cut in half or in three parts, depending on the size. They are fried in deep fat and when they get a golden color, they are taken out in another container. In the same fat, sauté the onion and the meat cut into cubes, until the onion turns glassy. Then diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, vegetables, allspice and a little tomato sauce are added. Water is added from time to time until the meat is soft, and then the okra is added. Let it simmer on medium heat for ten minutes. Then put it all in a pan and put four tomatoes cut in the shape of a star on top. Place in the oven at 200 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. The dish can be served in portions or the casserole can be placed directly in front of the guests, so that the waiter or they themselves can share", revealed Sinanović as he prepares the famous, authentic Ulcinj specialty...
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