Rozata - Traditional Croatian Dessert

Rozata – Traditional Croation Dessert |
Dubrovačka rozata

Serves 4.

Prep time: 20min
Cook time: 35min
Total time: 55min
Difficulty: Basic

Rozata is a traditional Croatian custard pudding from the Dubrovnik region. It is also known as Rožata or Rožada. It tastes a lot like flan and crème caramel. What distinguishes it is its flavor, which includes rose liqueur known as Rozulin in Dubrovnik, hence the name Rozata. It’s best served cold and is especially popular in the summer.

For the caramel.

8 tablespoons sugar

For the custard.

Ingredients:

500 ml milk
6 tablespoons sugar
6 large eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla sugar
zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons rose liqueur (or dark rum)

Directions:

To make the caramel, dissolve the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Raise the heat to medium-high and continue to cook until the syrup turns golden brown. Stirring is not permitted. Remove from the heat immediately and divide the hot caramel evenly among four ramekins. Be quick because the caramel hardens quickly. Turn the ramekins upside down to cover the sides as well. Allow to cool completely.

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Warm milk and 6 tbsp sugar in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, combine the eggs and vanilla sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk just until the mixture comes together, being careful not to froth. Stir in the lemon zest and rose liqueur to combine. Finally, slowly pour in the milk and mix to combine.

Pour the custard into four ramekins after straining it through a sieve. Place the ramekins in a baking dish, making sure they are not touching. Pour boiling water into the baking dish until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Take care not to splash any water on the custard.

Bake for 35 minutes, or until the custards are nearly set. Remove the ramekins from the hot water bath and carefully remove them from the oven. Allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating overnight. Invert the custards onto serving plates to serve. Caramel will accumulate around the inverted custards. Serve right away.

Commentary.

Rozata is one of the most well-known Croatian desserts, and while I’d had it before, this one seemed special. What a wonderful feeling it was to be sitting by the sea and eating that silky pudding drowning in pools of caramel. Priceless.

Rozata – Traditional Croatian Dessert