VIDEO: Biggest peka in Slavonia weighs over a tonne and feeds 700

by croatiaweek
August 18, 2025
in Entertainment

(Photos: Vladimir Grgurić/Kristijan Toplak)

A unique culinary attraction in Slavonia has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike.

In the village of Duga Međa, near Orahovica, the largest peka in Slavonia – measuring three metres across and weighing more than a tonne – was unveiled at this year’s traditional Pekmezijada festival.

The impressive iron dome, which required a crane and a team of ten people to move, was used to prepare a dish of epic proportions.

Inside, 70 kilos of beans simmered together with 65 kilos of smoked meat, sausages, bacon, pork hocks, and an array of vegetables and spices.

“When the filling goes in, the weight rises to around 1,300 kilos,” Dražen Šafar, president of the Slatina Association of Chefs and Confectioners, told RTL Danas.

“It takes knowledge, teamwork, and of course a crane to handle something of this size.”

(Photos: Vladimir Grgurić/Kristijan Toplak)

Master chef Zoran Putniković added: “With peka, just like with cooking in a large cauldron, the rule is simple – the bigger the batch, the better the taste.”

(Photos: Vladimir Grgurić/Kristijan Toplak)

The giant peka was carefully covered and left to cook over glowing embers while visitors enjoyed other highlights of Pekmezijada, including the traditional preparation of plum jam.

(Photos: Vladimir Grgurić/Kristijan Toplak)

“The secret is in the plums and in cooking with love,” said Stoja Andrić from Čađavica, as cauldrons of jam bubbled for hours under the watchful eyes of locals.

When the peka was finally opened – lifted by crane to reveal its contents – more than 700 people were served. The aroma and flavour drew praise from all who tried it. “Whoever tastes it will want to return next year,” promised local resident Franjo Kovač.

(Photos: Vladimir Grgurić/Kristijan Toplak)

The event, organised by the UHBDDR Duga Međa, brought together war veterans, families, and guests for a day of food, fun, and fellowship. Alongside the culinary showpiece, visitors enjoyed traditional games, sports, and, most importantly, time together.

As Šafar noted, the association is no stranger to record-breaking feats, having previously prepared 4,200 litres of Begova čorba and nearly 1,500 pancakes for Guinness World Records.