On Korčula Island, the tradition of making Žrnovski makaruni has been passed down from one generation to the next, and for many girls growing up in the village of Žrnovo, it’s a cherished part of childhood. This homemade pasta dish isn’t just about food; it’s a ritual that brings together mothers, grandmothers, and daughters in kitchens filled with warmth, laughter, and the scent of freshly kneaded dough.
In every home, the process is much the same. Young girls sit at the kitchen table, watching their mothers and grandmothers expertly move through the familiar steps. The kitchen, often lit by sunlight streaming through the windows, becomes a place of learning, where the older generations teach the younger not just how to make pasta, but how to carry on the legacy of their island.
The day begins with the preparation of the dough—simple ingredients of flour, water, and a single egg mixed together, slowly turning into something special. For the girls, it’s a hands-on lesson in patience and skill. Their grandmothers, or bakas, show them how to roll the dough into long ropes, carefully shaping them with small wooden sticks to create the signature spiral form of Žrnovski makaruni.
As they work, stories flow freely. Baka recalls how she learned to make makaruni in the same way, sitting beside her own mother, the tradition stretching back to a time when every woman in Žrnovo could shape the perfect makaruni without a second thought. These moments are more than just about food—they are about passing on a piece of the island’s history, ensuring that each new generation remains connected to their roots.
For the girls, it’s a lesson not just in cooking but in family, community, and the importance of tradition. In each piece of makaruni they shape, there is the pride of knowing they are continuing something much older than themselves.
In the hope that you will also get to experience the beauties of Korčula’s beaches we wrote this blogpost containing some of our favorite coves and beaches in Korčula, so let us begin!
Žrnovski Makaruni Recipe
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 250ml water
- 1 tbsp oil
Making the Makaruni:
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the egg into it. Slowly add water, little by little, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
After resting, divide the dough into four pieces and roll them into long, thin ropes (about 10 cm or 4 inches long). Cut the ropes into smaller pieces, 1 cm thick.
Shape the makaruni: Then, take a small wooden stick (like a skewer or knitting needle), wrap the smaller dough pieces around it, and roll it gently to create a spiral shape. Carefully remove the stick, and repeat with the remaining dough.
While Žrnovski makaruni is traditionally served with a rich meat sauce, you can pair it with a variety of other flavors:
- Tomato and Basil Sauce: A fresh, vibrant option made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil, perfect for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Mushroom Cream Sauce: Earthy mushrooms simmered in cream with a touch of garlic and thyme offer a rich, comforting complement to the chewy makaruni.
Whichever sauce you choose, the beauty of Žrnovski makaruni lies in the tradition behind every bite. Uživaj!
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