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BULGARIA





Map of Bulgaria
Dobar den

LOCATION:
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey

CAPITAL CITY:
Sofia

POPULATION:
7,204,687 (July 2009 est.)

LANGUAGES:
Bulgarian 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

WEBSITE:
www.bulgariatravel.org/eng/ index.php

Recipes From Bulgaria



Bulgarian cuisine is influenced by Turkey and Greece, but Bulgarians take pride in their own authentic cuisine made with home-grown produce. Bulgaria provides its own wheat, corn, dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The staple foods are vegetables, whole grains, dried beans, lentils, cheeses, and yogurt. Bulgarian dishes are not highly seasoned, but gently flavored with onions, garlic, and herbs. Bulgarians also enjoy the tangy taste of sauerkraut and yogurt.
Shopska Salad

Shopska Salad

Shopska salad is the most traditional Bulgarian salad. The name is derived from a regional group called Shopi, who live around Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. This is a healthful, fantastic summertime salad. The uniqueness of this salad comes from the thick layer of sirene (a Bulgarian white brine cheese) that covers the salad. If sirene is unavailable, substitute with feta cheese.
Find this recipie on Page 172 of Kitchens of the World
Banitza (Baked Cheese Pastry)

Banitza (Baked Cheese Pastry)

Banitza is a traditional Bulgarian pastry that can be made with a savory or a sweet filling. This savory version is filled with cheese, and it can be served as an appetizer or as a vegetarian main course. Sweet versions can be made with fruit, such as apples. Traditionally, the dough is handmade and the filling is a Bulgarian white brine cheese called sirene. You can use feta cheese if the Bulgarian cheese isn’t available, although the flavor will be different.
Find this recipie on Page 173 of Kitchens of the World