Croatian Recipe: How To Make Labinski Krafi

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Are you ready to discover the charms of tradition and local ingredients thanks to the Velo Kafe Restaurant in Labin? Located in the Old Town of Labin, you’ll find the Velo Kafe Restaurant. It offers a stunning view over the Old Town Square from its terrace, where we sat last month for several hours enjoying a 3-course meal.

The ambiance of Velo Kafe is particularly appealing (I hear especially so in winter by the fire). Here you can discover the unique flavors of Labin, prepared using the recipes that the chef at Velo Kafe Restaurant, Jasna Pušec, learned from her Mother and Grandmother. She includes traditional and local ingredients on the menu, and her passion and love for cooking are reflected on each plate. (Stay tuned for our blog post on Labin + the food we ate here)

While we loved all of the food during our visit, the Labinski Krafi was the absolute standout. Nothing like we had ever tried. With kindness in her heart, dear Chef Jasna is kindly allowing us to share her Labinski Krafi recipe with you all.

How to Make Krafi Recipe_Jasna Pušec_ Velo kafe Labin
Chef Jasna Pušec

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How To Make Labinski Krafi (Krafi From Labin)

Krafi used to be served only on special occasions, wedding ceremonies and holidays were unthinkable without them, but now they are made more often. Savory Krafi are traditionally served with butter and grated cheese or in a gravy sauce. As a dessert, krafi are fried or served in a sweet sauce. The recipe for these Labin krafi are made with a sweet cheese filling.

“At Velo kafe, we usually serve them in a caramel sauce, flambéed with homemade brandy,’ says the head chef at Velo Kafe Restaurant, Jasna Pušec, who had introduced krafi on the menu on her first day at work at the restaurant. She also added that guests were always pleased to try krafi, and she has always introduced krafi to all restaurants she’s worked in.

Two Labinski Krafi_Chef Jasna Pušec


Labinski Krafi Recipe

Two Labinski Krafi_Chef Jasna Pušec

How To Make Labinski Krafi

Here is how to make Labinski Krafi

Ingredients

For TheDough

  • 300 g flour
  • 1 egg
  • water

For The Filling

  • 300 g fresh cow's milk cheese
  • 200 g dry grated cow's milk cheese
  • 2 spoons raisins drenched in brandy or rum
  • lemon zest
  • egg yolk
  • sugar
  • vanilla sugar
  • bread crumbs (as needed)

Instructions

    1. Knead the smooth dough and leave it to stand for 45 mins
    2. Mix the ingredients for filling
    3. Roll out the dough, cut wide strips, arrange the filling, fold it over with the other piece of dough, and cut the circles using a mold or a glass
    4. Use a fork to seal the edges
    5. Cook the krafi in salted boiling water
    6. Enjoy your meal!

You can check out more Istrian food here or loads of Croatian cooking ideas here. 

What to do in Croatia_Croatian Receipes Labinski Krafi_Croatia Travel Blog

Comments (10)

  1. There is nothing like Krafi-it’s an acquired taste! We have a little different recipe-a staple for the holidays in our family!

  2. Love krafi all my family love them I make them for christmas Easter and for any family get together

  3. Love this! I love Velo Kafe and have enjoyed many cappuccinos and palačinke there ☕️ thanks for sharing this recipe!

  4. Interesting that you used a caramel sauce. I make my grandmother’s recipe every Christmas and we always use a red sauce with meat. Have been to Labin only once–just passing through–would love to visit again and research my grandparents.

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