This festive Croatian dish consists of a whole roasted turkey, paired with an authentic Croatian side dish known as mlinci. The dish has its origins in the Zagorje region, where turkey has been brought over from Italy by the Pauline Fathers in the 15th century.

Specific breeding and growing conditions have led to the creation of an autochthonous Zagorje Turkey breed that is praised for its exceptional quality of meat. Mlinci, on the other hand, are best described as a cross between pasta and crispy, unleavened flatbread.

The dough, made with flour, water, and eggs, is rolled into thin, wide sheets. Due to their dry texture and neutral taste, they are usually torn into smaller pieces and submerged in hot water to soften. Later on, they are mixed with meat drippings, which transforms this simple meal into a luscious side dish.

Turkey with mlinci is a communal family meal, typically shared among a larger number of people. Traditionally, it is served as the main course during Christmas dinner.