Shopska Salad, Banitsa a traditional Bulgarian

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

4 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced or diced
1 bell pepper (red or green), roasted and peeled (optional), or finely chopped raw
1 small red or white onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 cup (100 g) Bulgarian white cheese (Sirene) or feta cheese, crumbled or grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 tbsp olive oil or sunflower oil
1 tbsp white or red wine vinegar
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

Combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion (if using) in a large mixing bowl.

Season the Salad:

Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the vegetables. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine.

Add the Cheese:

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and generously sprinkle or grate the cheese over the top.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Serve immediately with crusty bread or as a side dish with grilled meat or fish.

Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. Adjust the vinegar and cheese to suit your taste preference. Shopska Salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of Rakia, a traditional Balkan spirit.

Banitsa

Here’s a traditional recipe for Banitsa, a beloved Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough and cheese:

Ingredients

(Makes 8–10 servings)

1 package (16 oz / 450 g) filo pastry sheets
4 large eggs
1 lb (450 g) Bulgarian white cheese (Sirene) or feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
1/2 tsp baking soda

Optional Topping:

1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk or yogurt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

· In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs.

· Add the crumbled cheese, yogurt, vegetable oil, and baking soda. Mix well until combined.

2. Assemble the Banitsa

· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or tray.

· Take one filo sheet and lay it flat. Brush lightly with oil or butter.

· Spread a few spoonfuls of the cheese mixture evenly over the sheet.

· Roll up the sheet into a loose spiral or cylinder. Place it in the prepared baking dish.

· Repeat the process with the remaining filo sheets and filling, arranging them in a spiral or layering them in the dish.

3. Add the Topping (Optional)

· If desired, whisk together the egg and milk (or yogurt) for the topping. Pour or brush it evenly over the assembled Banitsa.

4. Bake the Banitsa

· Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the Banitsa is golden brown and crispy on top.

Serve

Allow the Banitsa to cool slightly before cutting into slices. Serve warm or at room temperature, often enjoyed with a side of yogurt or a glass of Aryan (a yogurt-based drink).