Shopska salad
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Shopska salad (Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian: Шопска салата; Croatian: Šopska salata; Czech: Šopský salát; Albanian: Salat Shope; Hungarian: Sopszka saláta) is a traditional Bulgarian cold salad popular throughout the Balkans and Central Europe.[1]
It is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, raw or roasted peppers (preferably roasted), sirene (white brine cheese), and parsley.[2]
Preparation
The vegetables are usually diced and salted, followed by a light dressing of sunflower oil or olive oil, which are occasionally complemented by vinegar. The addition of vinegar only contributes, however, to the sour flavor that the tomatoes impart. In restaurants, the dressings are provided separately. Lastly, the vegetables are covered in a thick layer of grated or diced sirene. In areas where sirene cheese is unavailable, feta cheese may be used as a substitute. This salad is often consumed as an appetizer with rakija.
Shopska salad derives its name from the regional group called Shopi living mostly in parts of Bulgaria (but also in areas of Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia).
According to Bulgarian Radio, shopska salad was popularized (or perhaps invented) by Balkantourist, the Bulgarian state tourist organization, in 1960.[3]
See also
- Greek salad, a similar salad in Greek cuisine
- Serbian salad
- Çoban salatası, a similar salad in Turkish cuisine
- List of salads
References
- ^ Culinary cultures of Europe: identity, diversity and dialogue, Darra Goldstein, Kathrin Merkle, Fabio Parasecoli, Stephen Mennell, 2005, p.101
- ^ Shopska Salad recipe
- ^ Tanya Harizanova, "The Shoppe [sic] salad – Balkan disputes and tastes", Radio Bulgaria Friday, October 23, 2009 11:00 AM full text