Great Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski Recipe

Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski Recipe: Bulgarian cuisine is rich in flavors and traditions. One dish that stands out is Sirene Po Shopski. This comforting cheese and tomato stew hails from the Sofia region and highlights the beloved Bulgarian feta cheese known as сирене.

We will guide you through a simple yet delicious recipe for this traditional meal, making it easy to bring a taste of Bulgaria to your kitchen.

Our journey to discover authentic recipes took us to the heart of Bulgaria. There, we learned the importance of fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation. Sirene Po Shopski is typically baked in earthenware pots, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

With just a few ingredients, this dish captures the essence of Bulgarian home cooking, perfect for a cozy dinner or sharing with friends.

Join us as we explore the ingredients and steps needed to recreate this delightful dish at home. By the end, you’ll not only have a new recipe to impress your family but also a story behind a cherished cultural staple that connects us to the warm traditions of Bulgaria.

Why You’ll Love This Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski Recipe

We love this Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe because it showcases the best of Bulgarian cuisine. The dish is vibrant and flavorful, making it a delight for any meal.

This recipe is a great option for vegetarians. It features fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and spices that create a satisfying dish without meat.

Key ingredients include:

• Tomatoes
• Bulgarian feta cheese (sirene)
• Eggs
• Roasted peppers

These ingredients combine to create a hearty experience. The dish is baked in a special clay pot, enhancing the flavors.

Sirene Po Shopski offers a taste of traditional Bulgarian recipes. It connects us to the rich culture of Bulgaria and its culinary heritage.

Cooking this dish brings a cozy feel to our kitchen. It’s perfect for gatherings or a relaxing dinner.

We love serving it with crusty bread, making it even more enjoyable. The mix of textures and flavors will impress our guests.

What Makes This Recipe Special

We believe Sirene Po Shopski stands out for its hearty simplicity and rich flavors. This traditional Bulgarian dish showcases the unique taste of sirene, a tangy white cheese similar to feta, which brings a creamy texture to the meal.

One special aspect is its cultural roots. Originating from the Shopluk region, this dish reflects local ingredients and cooking styles. It’s a comfort food that many Bulgarians enjoy.

The combination of fresh vegetables adds brightness. We layer juicy tomatoes and roasted peppers with the cheese and eggs, creating a beautiful presentation.

Key Ingredients

• Sirene (Bulgarian feta): The star ingredient, providing a bold flavor.
• Mozzarella: Sometimes mixed in for creaminess.
• Chilies and herbs: They enhance the dish’s taste profile, adding a mild kick.

This dish is often baked in a gyuveche, a clay pot, which helps retain heat and meld flavors together. We love how each bite reveals layers of goodness, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.

Enjoying Sirene Po Shopski connects us to Bulgarian culture while offering a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski, we need some specific cooking equipment. Here’s what we recommend:

• Gyuveche: This is a traditional earthenware pot used for baking. It helps retain heat and enhances the dish’s flavors.
• Oven (фурна): A reliable oven is essential for baking the dish to perfection. It should be able to maintain a steady temperature.
• Cutting Board: We use this for chopping tomatoes, peppers, and any other vegetables we want to include.
• Knife: A good, sharp knife is vital for slicing and dicing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: These help us get the right amount of cheese, oil, and spices.
• Mixing Bowl: We use this to mix eggs and any ingredients that need combining before adding them to the gyuveche.
• Serving Spoon: Finally, a serving spoon is needed for dish assembly and portioning when serving.

These tools make the cooking process efficient and enjoyable. With the right equipment, making Sirene Po Shopski can be a delightful experience.

Cooking Instructions

To prepare Sirene po Shopski, we will follow a few simple steps.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly.

1. In a gyuveche pot or an oven-safe dish, add a layer of sliced tomatoes. Spread them evenly on the bottom.
2. Next, crumble half of the feta cheese and mozzarella over the tomatoes.
3. Sprinkle some chopped roasted peppers and chilies on top for spice and flavor.
4. Repeat the layers: add more sliced tomatoes, cheese, and peppers.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Pour the eggs over the prepared layers.
6. Sprinkle a pinch of oregano and parsley on top for added taste.
7. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes.
8. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with fresh bread or as a main course.

Cooking Tips

When making Sirene Po Shopski, keep these tips in mind for a successful dish.

Choose Quality Cheese
Using fresh Bulgarian feta, known as sirene, gives the best flavor. If you can’t find it, look for a good quality feta cheese.

Layering Ingredients
We find that layering ingredients like tomatoes, roasted peppers, and cheese helps blend the flavors. Start with a base of tomatoes, add cheese, and repeat.

Add Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle chopped parsley and oregano between the layers. Fresh herbs enhance the dish and add a burst of flavor.

Use Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil
Drizzle olive oil between layers. Sunflower oil is also a good option if you prefer a milder taste.

Spice it Up
A pinch of paprika or black pepper adds a nice kick. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

Serve with Crusty Bread
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Baking Temperature
Bake the dish in a preheated oven around 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a nice golden top.

Ingredients For the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski Recipe

Tomato
Pepper
Onion
Dugar
Cheese
Egg
Olive Oil
Parsley
Oregano
Chili Powder
Salt
Pepper

Cooking Instructions For the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski Recipe

Preparing the Ingredients

Pour the oil into the bottom of a gyuveche or a small individual terracotta pot with a lid. Heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for 2 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the bull’s horn pepper and continue sautéing for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Cooking the Base

Stir in the tomato and sugar, cooking for 2 more minutes while stirring. Add half of the sirene cheese and half of the parsley. Cover the pot with its lid and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).

Baking and Serving

After 15 minutes, lightly season with salt and pepper, then add the oregano and red pepper powder. Mix well before adding the remaining sirene cheese. Crack the egg on top and transfer the gyuveche to the oven, uncovered, baking for 5 to 10 minutes until the egg reaches the desired consistency.

Let the dish cool for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.

FAQ For the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe

Question: What is the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe?

A: The Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe is a traditional Bulgarian dish where white brined cheese (sirene) is baked with tomatoes, peppers, and eggs in a clay pot. It is typically served as a starter or appetizer.

Question: How long does it take to prepare the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe?

A: The Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe takes around 10-15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking, making it a quick and delicious dish to prepare.

Question: Can I use other types of cheese in the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe?

A: While traditional Bulgarian Sirene is the best choice for the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe, you can substitute it with feta cheese or other brined cheeses if needed, although the flavor may slightly differ.

Question: Can I make the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe ahead of time?

A: The Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the ingredients and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but it is recommended to bake and serve it immediately for the best texture.

Question: What should I serve with the Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe?

A: The Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski recipe is often served with crusty bread or pita for dipping. It also pairs well with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Great Bulgarian Sirene Po Shopski Recipe

Creamy white cheese baked with juicy tomatoes, eggs, and fragrant herbs in a sizzling clay pot, creating a dish with a gooey, molten texture and a blend of tangy, salty, and savory flavors in every bite.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine Bulgarian

Servings 1 Serving

Calories 367 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 Tomato finely diced
• 1 Pepper grilled Bulls Horn peeled and diced
• ½ Onion sliced
• ½ teaspoon Dugar
• 5 oz. Dheese sirene
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 tbsp Parsley chopped
• ½ tsp Oregano optional
• ¼ tsp Chili Powder red optional
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Pepper

Instructions

 

Preparing the Ingredients

• Pour the oil into the bottom of a gyuveche or a small individual terracotta pot with a lid. Heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for 2 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the bull’s horn pepper and continue sautéing for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Cooking the Base

• Stir in the tomato and sugar, cooking for 2 more minutes while stirring. Add half of the sirene cheese and half of the parsley. Cover the pot with its lid and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).

Baking and Serving

• After 15 minutes, lightly season with salt and pepper, then add the oregano and red pepper powder. Mix well before adding the remaining sirene cheese. Crack the egg on top and transfer the gyuveche to the oven, uncovered, baking for 5 to 10 minutes until the egg reaches the desired consistency.
• Let the dish cool for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 367kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 8gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 668mgPotassium: 542mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2448IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 3mg

Keyword cheese, Vegetables

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