Table of Contents
What is Blitva? And the Wine to Pair It With
As spring tiptoes in with blooming flowers and longer days, our palates naturally shift. Gone are the comfort foods of winter—we begin to crave freshness, simplicity, and vibrant greens. For Mirena Bagur, of Croatia Premium Wines a true Dalmatian, that shift means one thing: blitva.
Blitva: A Croatian Staple of Simplicity and Flavor
So, what exactly is blitva?
In the simplest terms, blitva refers to Swiss chard, a leafy green beloved along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. But in Croatian kitchens, “blitva na lešo” is more than just a vegetable—it’s a way of life. The name loosely translates to “boiled blitva,” though it’s far more flavorful than it sounds. Imagine tender Swiss chard folded into olive oil-slicked potatoes, garlic, and shallots, all lightly smashed together to create a rustic yet elegant side dish.
It’s the dish that shows up at every family meal, whether it’s a midweek dinner or a Sunday celebration. It’s light, it’s healthy, and also it’s incredibly versatile—just like spring itself.
Mirena’s Family Recipe for Blitva na Lešo
This recipe for Blitva is as authentic as it gets, passed down through generations of Dalmatian cooks who know that less is often more.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium golden or red potatoes
- 1 bunch Swiss chard (separate stems and greens; chiffonade the leaves)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 6 oz olive oil (Croatian, if you can find it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until just tender.
- Add half the extra virgin olive oil, then stir in garlic and shallots.. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chopped chard stems, cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, then add the Swiss chard leaves.
- Season again and reduce the heat. Let everything gently cook until the greens are soft and everything has melded together beautifully.
- Strain any excess water.
- Lightly mash the mixture of Swiss chard and potatoes, incorporating all the flavors into a rustic blend.
Traditionally prepared in a large skillet, Croatian blitva is a humble yet flavorful dish that celebrates simplicity.
The Perfect Wine Pairings for Blitva
Whether you’re serving your blitva alongside grilled seafood, pan-roasted calamari, or a hearty lamb roast, Croatian wines offer the perfect accompaniment. And in celebration of Spring and Easter, enjoy 15% off all the wines listed below.
With Seafood
The clean, herbal notes of blitva shine next to the ocean’s bounty, especially with the right glass of white.
- Zure Grk – A rare white with crisp acidity and a saline kick, perfect for oysters and grilled fish.
- Merga Victa Pošip – A fuller-bodied white from Korčula with notes of citrus, apricot, and also Mediterranean herbs.
- Antunović Chardonnay sur Lie – Creamy and complex, yet bright enough to cut through the olive oil richness.
With Lamb or Red Meats
If you’re leaning into heartier territory, Croatia’s signature red, Plavac Mali, has you covered.
- Matuško Plavac Mali – A lighter, stainless-steel version that’s even chillable. Perfect for those easing into red for spring.
- Terra Madre Premium – A balanced, medium-bodied blend that matches well with roasted meats.
- Rizman Plavac Mali – Elegant and refined, with smooth tannins and dark fruit notes.
- Volarević Blue Label or Stina Cuvee – Step it up with these more robust bottles, ideal for grilled lamb or aged cheese.
- Volarević Gold or Matuško Dingač Royal – These bold, Amarone-like wines are your Easter centerpiece in a bottle—rich, structured, and celebratory.
A Perfect Dish for Your Yacht Charter Table
Blitva na lešo isn’t just a staple in Dalmatian homes—it’s also a fantastic addition to your onboard menu during a luxury yacht charter in Croatia. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare with local ingredients from island markets, it pairs beautifully with freshly caught seafood or a spring lamb roast prepared by your private chef.
Served on the deck as the sun sets over the Adriatic, with a chilled glass of Pošip or a bold Plavac Mali in hand, this humble dish becomes something truly memorable. It’s proof that even the simplest meal can feel luxurious when you’re surrounded by sea, sky, and Croatian hospitality.
Bon voyage and dobar tek!
A Spring Table, Dalmatian Style
As your table fills with the colors and scents of the season, let blitva na lešo be your ode to simplicity and wellness. It’s a dish that doesn’t try to impress with complexity, but rather with the beauty of fresh ingredients and soulful preparation. Add a bottle (or two) of Croatia’s best wines, and you’ve got a celebration that’s both rooted in tradition and wonderfully new.
Dobar tek and živjeli!
— Mirena & Win
