In the heart of Croatian cuisine lies a dish that embodies more than just flavours – it represents community, tradition, and the timeless art of slow cooking. Peka, the traditional method of cooking under a bell-shaped metal or clay lid placed over glowing coals, has travelled far from its Mediterranean origins to find a new home in Australia, where Croatian immigrants have carefully preserved and shared this cherished culinary heritage.
The Soul of Peka
Peka is far more than a cooking technique; it’s a ritual that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable feast. The method ensures even cooking while sealing in natural juices, creating dishes that capture the essence of traditional Croatian hospitality. Whether it’s tender lamb, succulent veal, fresh chicken, or octopus paired with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and zucchini, each peka tells a story of patience, quality, and care.
The magic lies in the details: premium olive oil, fresh rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper combine to create rich, aromatic flavours. Some cooks add wine, bay leaves, or dried figs for additional depth, but the beauty of peka is in its simplicity – letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Regional Variations and Authentic Flavours
Across Croatia’s diverse regions, peka takes on different personalities. Coastal areas favour octopus peka, while inland regions prefer veal with potatoes. Island communities incorporate local herbs like rosemary, while continental areas embrace root vegetables. Each variation reflects the local culture and available ingredients, making peka not just a meal but a celebration of place and tradition.
Popular varieties include:
- Octopus Peka: A perfect harmony of tender octopus, potatoes, and vegetables with olive oil and garlic
- Lamb Peka: A traditional favourite, especially beloved in inland and island regions
- Veal Peka: Mild and juicy, ideal for those preferring delicate flavours
- Vegetarian Peka: Seasonal vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and potatoes with aromatic herbs
Preserving Tradition in Australia
The Croatian diaspora in Australia has ensured that peka traditions continue to flourish thousands of miles from their homeland. Companies like Cro Fire Food, established in Sydney in 2018, have made it their mission to preserve and promote traditional Croatian culinary customs. Founded on childhood memories and unforgettable experiences of cooking over open fires, they bring authentic Croatian cooking methods to Australian kitchens and backyards.
Cro Fire Food specialises in everything related to Croatian BBQ culture, offering high-quality outdoor fireplaces, peka ovens, rotisseries, and stainless steel equipment. All products are manufactured locally in Sydney with emphasis on quality and durability, and can be customized to customers’ specific needs in terms of size, shape, or design.
“Stone fireplaces like the old traditional ones even come from Sydney! The very skilled team at Cro Fire Food from Sydney will make a fireplace according to your wishes!” notes their commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.Instagram.com/crofirefood
Community and Connection
Preparing peka is traditionally a social event that brings families and friends together. While the food slowly cooks, people enjoy conversation, wine, and the anticipation of lifting the lid to reveal the culinary magic beneath. This communal aspect is particularly meaningful, connecting different generations as older family members pass down recipes and techniques to younger ones, making peka not just food but part of family heritage.
Learning the Art
For those interested in mastering this traditional technique, opportunities exist even without a traditional fireplace. Home cooks can adapt the method using heavy, covered pots in conventional ovens, cooking at low temperatures (around 160°C) for several hours.
Want to try your hand at preparing peka? If you’re able to join, come along to upcoming event on Saturday, August 2nd from 8am to 12pm at the Australian Croatian Club O’Connor in Canberra!
Learn how to make a traditional Croatian peka! Come spice the meat, fire up the coals, and enjoy a feast with a few rounds of Buće to finish. This hands-on workshop will teach you the authentic Croatian cooking technique that has been passed down through generations.
The event costs $50 per person and spots are limited, so book now to secure your place. You’ll experience the complete peka process from preparing the fire and seasoning the ingredients to enjoying the delicious results together as a community. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn this treasured culinary tradition while connecting with others who share an appreciation for Croatian culture and cuisine.
To book your spot: info@australiancroatianclub.com.au. Don’t miss this chance to master the art of peka cooking and take home skills you can use to create memorable meals for family and friends.
A Living Tradition
Peka represents more than culinary technique—it’s a bridge between past and present, homeland and new home. In Australia, Croatian families and food enthusiasts continue to gather around glowing coals, sharing stories and creating memories while honouring a tradition that has sustained communities for generations.
Whether prepared in a traditional stone fireplace or adapted for modern kitchens, peka remains a testament to the enduring power of food to connect people, preserve culture, and create moments of genuine human connection. In every carefully tended fire and every shared meal, the spirit of Croatian hospitality continues to thrive, one peka at a time.
