An interesting story comes from Herzegovina. Namely, the Herzegovinian doughnut has been designated a protected traditional specialty, and has long been a recognizable part of the gastronomic heritage. The first Uštipak Fest was also organized. There was no shortage of doughnuts, but also of cheerful company.
The recipe for making the traditional Herzegovinian doughnut has been passed down for generations, which is why the method of making this delicacy has not changed significantly. The product is made exclusively from basic raw materials without industrial additives. How popular this dish is in Herzegovina was also shown by the first HERC Uštipak Fest on Buna, which brought together 16 teams. Everyone claims to have the best slushy dough.
There is no secret, it is just flour, water, salt, and instead of mixing, you drink brandy to keep your hands steady.
Originally our indigenous, homemade, Herzegovinian, nothing more.
Our secret is, we are here. Our women slushy, we will bake it and whatnot, honestly.
The festival was also attended by a team from Ilok in Croatia, who have been organizing the Uštipak Academy for eight years.
“It was a must to be here and give a helping hand and promote uštipak and traditional values because a lot of people live in Ilok, Herzegovinans of course,” says Mirjana Zelenika, a participant from Ilok.
Uštipak has always been and remains a favorite breakfast for even the youngest.
“I like eating uštipak because they are crispy and delicious. I like it with cream.”
The recipe for uštipak has been updated over the years, but the old original one is being protected. The Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina has included it in the Register of Protected Traditional Specialties.
“We come to weddings and are greeted by uštipak, restaurants have uštipak everywhere. We just want the old recipe to be preserved as much as possible,” emphasizes Mario Stojčić, organizer of the HERC Uštipak Fest.
“We now have 20 products, 11 of which have a geographical indication, 3 designations of origin and 3 designations of guaranteed traditional specialties, so this is a beautiful story that is happening in BiH,” said Sanin Tanković, Director of the BiH Food Safety Agency.
In addition to being a delicious delicacy for the people of Herzegovina, it is often an occasion for gatherings, socializing and singing. It is also a good tourist promotion of the characteristics of this region, given the long tradition that we have in BiH, which is increasingly recognized in the world.
