BEST LOCAL FOOD: Ajdovi žganci

The word žganci comes from the Slovenian verb žgati, meaning “to burn” or “to toast.”

In English, ajdovi žganci is commonly translated as “buckwheat spoonbread.” It is a traditional Slovene dish, with historical references dating back to Balthasar Hacquet (1739–1815), who noted that žganci was often served with sauerkraut in Upper Carniola. The dish’s name itself reflects its oldest preparation method.

Ajdovi žganci are typically served alongside obaras, meat sauces, sauerkraut, and a variety of sausages. Ingredients and accompaniments can vary depending on the region.

In general the main ingredients are:

• buckwheat flour

• water

• salt

• cracklings

• oil or grease

and in some cases potatoes are mixed in.

We would recommend everyone to try them while in Slovenia! We had žganci with soured milk and with obara – meat sauce. These were the best žganci with the view so far!

For better or worse (and we are sure it’s for better) – this is the BEST food pairing in the world: ajdovi žganci & kislo mleko. So good!