Bulgaria

The food of Bulgaria has a reputation for being spicy, well flavored and varied with influences from the neighboring countries of Greece, Turkey, Romania and—across the Baltic Sea—Russia and Ukraine.

Traditional dishes include ingredients such as pickled vegetables, bread, spicy sausages, aubergines, lamb, beef and pork, along with the spices fennel, allspice and cumin. Bulgarian moussaka, a variation of the Greek dish, is a baked meal of minced meat, potatoes, tomatoes and a yoghurt and egg sauce.

Although the origins of yoghurt are unsubstantiated, Bulgaria claims to be homeland to at least the yoghurt variety kiselo mlyako, produced with bacteria that grow solely in Bulgaria. Yoghurt is enjoyed alone for breakfast or dinner with added fruits or nuts, but is often incorporated into other dishes. Tarator is a chilled soup of blended yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, dill and sometimes a garnish of chopped nuts.

Sirene, a concentrated white cheese similar to feta and also only produced in Bulgaria, is sometimes called the “main national food of Bulgarians.” Sirene is often used in shopska, a salad of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley and vinegar—topped with grated white cheese.

Rakia, a strong brandy made from plums or grapes, complements the flavorful foods. Mastika, an anise-flavored liqueur, is enjoyed hot or cold or can be combined with a mint liqueur, menta, to create a beverage called “cloud.”—Leska Tomash

2 comments

Squirrel My father being Bulgarian, I have tasted many of these foods and it's not hard to enjoy them. They are flavorful, well-seasoned, and very different from traditional American foods. One of my favorites is banitza, which uses philo dough, Bulgarian feta cheese (they argue with the Greeks over who REALLY started feta), eggs, oil...perhaps I shall post this recipe! Yummy as it is or drizzled with honey.

Tony5885 Bulgarian food is The best!!!http://www.milanos3.com/