Ukljeva

Ukljeva is a species of bleak, a small freshwater fish that lives in large schools and is endemic to Skadar Lake in southern Montenegro. Scientifically known as Alburnus alburnus alborella, the fish typically reaches up to 20 cm in length and 40 g in weight, and it is considered a seasonal fish catch as it is known to move from deeper lake waters to warmer, underground springs during the cold winter months.

Along with carp, the Skadar Lake bleak accounts for more than 70% of the total catch in the lake. In Montenegro, the bleak is often smoked and dried following an age-old tradition of preserving fish, and, along with a local wine variety called Vranac, this fish specialty is celebrated during a local festival called Dani Ukljeve i Vina (Days of Wine and Bleak), held in Virpazar each year.

Highly prized for its unique flavor, smoked bleak makes for an excellent appetizer and is often consumed with a side of potatoes, cheese, olives, and crusty bread. Afterwards, it is usually washed down with a glass of good red wine or rakija (local schnapps).