Potica- the queen of slovenian desserts

Dec 6, 2021

Kristina

Kristina

When me and my husband inheritated the villa in 2010, we dreamed to turn it into a peaceful haven for everyone seeking pleasant accommodation in Bled. During the renovation procedures we put extra care on maintaining the original character of the villa, while providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Since we are both passionate about traditional art and craft, we carefully selected the items for the interior décor, using only typical antiques with a local flare. As savvy locals, who appreciate good food and good vibes, we gladly share our special hints and tips about the best places to visit in Bled.

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Lots of guests ask me on arrival to our guesthouse Apartmaji Koman, which is the most typical slovenian dish. Slovenia has a variety of excellent dishes, but I always put slovenian famous dessert- potica first. We can say that potica is a real ambassodor of our gastronomy. There is an anectode that promoted our potica greatly worldwide. It was in 2017 when former US president Trump and his slovenian wife Melania visited the Pope in Vatican and the Pope asked Mrs. Melania if she serves her husband potica.Because every visitor should taste a piece of potica when visiting Slovenia, we serve all our guests at Apartmaji Koman a piece of walnut potica, made form a local bakery from walnuts that grow in our garden.

What is potica?

Potica is a traditional slovenian dessert and was once a typical cermonial dish, served at Christmas and Easter. Today potica is served on most slovenian holidays and celebrations. It is a festive dessert, popular throughout Slovenia and even outside its borders where Slovenian expats live.

Symbolic meaning

Potica has represents an important element of festive aboundance. Also the shape- of ring cake- represents infinity, perfection and a symbl of the divine. It is a very rich cake, therefore served on special occasions. It is also a popular protocol gift.

Around 500 years old

The earliest notes on potica go back to 1575 when Primož Trubar mnentioned potica or povitica in in his book Kathekizem, the first printed Slovenian book. A century later, potica is mentioned again in the book The Glory of the Dutchy of Carniola, by Janez Vajkar Valvasor. The first book entirely dedicated to potica (Poticas of Slovenia, 2013) was written by Dr. Janez Bogataj, a famous Slovenian ethnologist.

More than 120 different versions of potica

Potica is baked with leavened dough and rolled out, then covered with filling and rolled up. It is quite difficult to make. The name potica or povitica comes from rolled up cake.  Potica can be made with sweet or sallty fillings, most popular are: walnut, hazelnut, tarragon, poppy, raisins, bacon, cracklings, chocolate and cottage cheese.

A special potica is made at Bled island Potičnica cake shop and consists of hazelnuts and fig filling. In a small village near Bled, called Podbrezje, a potica with dried apple and pear is made and sent every year as a gift to the pope in Vatican.