Maneštra

Istrian maneštra is a Croatian take on the popular Italian minestrone soup. This hearty and thick stew-like soup is made with dried meat, beans, and spring corn. There are numerous variations on the dish, so maneštra is typically served as the first course when dried meat is omitted, and if it is prepared with meat, the dish is then usually served as a main course.

Carrots, celery, turnips, onions, and tomatoes can all be used in maneštra, which is often flavored with parsley, black pepper, olive oil, and bay leaves. There is also the annual Maneštra Festival in the county of Gračišće.