Ep 5. Zagreb Is Never Boar-ring

From Scratch is a cooking show that follows chef Christine Flynn as she travels the world to explore different cuisines and cultures. In season 2 episode 5, titled "Zagreb Is Never Boar-ring," Christine heads to Croatia to learn about traditional Croatian dishes and ingredients.

The episode begins with Christine wandering through the bustling streets of Zagreb, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. She meets up with local food expert, Ana-Marija Bujić, who takes her to the Dolac Market, a sprawling outdoor market filled with fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Christine is immediately struck by the variety of ingredients available and the passion that the vendors have for their products.

Ana-Marija then takes Christine to her favorite restaurant in Zagreb, Konoba Didov San, where they sample some traditional Croatian dishes. Christine is blown away by the intensity of the flavors and the complexity of the dishes. They start with a plate of cured meats and cheeses, followed by a creamy mushroom soup and a savory beef stew. Christine notes how the dishes are hearty and comforting, perfect for the cold, rainy weather outside.

Next, Ana-Marija introduces Christine to a unique Croatian ingredient: wild boar. They head out to the countryside to visit a game farm where the boar are raised. Christine is initially hesitant about trying the meat, but Ana-Marija assures her that it's a staple of Croatian cuisine and is often used in stews and roasts. They watch as the boar are fed and cared for, and Christine learns about the sustainability practices used on the farm.

Back in the kitchen, Christine and Ana-Marija prepare a wild boar stew. Christine is impressed by the meat's richness and gaminess, and how it pairs perfectly with the hearty vegetables in the stew. They also make a simple tomato salad to help cut through the richness of the stew.

To cap off the day, Ana-Marija takes Christine to a local winery, where they taste some of the region's best wines. Christine is impressed by the variety and quality of the wines, and notes how they pair perfectly with the hearty Croatian dishes.

Throughout the episode, Christine is struck by the passion and pride that the locals have for their cuisine. She notes how each ingredient is carefully grown and harvested, and how every dish is steeped in tradition and history. She leaves Zagreb with a newfound respect for Croatian cuisine and the people who make it so special.

Overall, "Zagreb Is Never Boar-ring" is a fascinating and delicious look into Croatian cuisine. Christine's enthusiasm and curiosity make her the perfect guide through this unique culinary landscape.