My trip to Bulgaria in April was full of surprises. I’m not a great cook myself but I do enjoy good food and I couldn’t help noticing that Bulgarian cuisine has large influences from Turkey, Greece and the Middle East, making it very diverse. It must be that the country’s geographical location and warm climate is ideal for growing a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs - and the salads (very popular at every meal) were to die for!

Bulgarian cuisine is also noted for its diversity and quality of dairy products such as Smetana (South Eastern variety of sour cream), variety of cheeses (casein, kashkavel, cottage cheese and cream cheese) and yoghurts.

Why not have a go at making Shopska salad yourself!

Shopska Salad can be served as a single meal, as a starter, together with the main dish, after a meal, or just as a snack. You’ll need Bulgarian Feta cheese as the Shopska wouldn't be the same without it!

Ingredients (serves 4-5)
3-4 tomatoes
1 cucumber
4-5 green or red peppers
1 onion
1/3 Lbs brined Bulgarian Feta cheese
10-15 olives
Parsley
Vinegar
¼ cup sunflower (corn) oil
Salt

Preparation
Chop up the onion. Remove the stem and the seeds of the green or red peppers (raw or roasted and peeled) and then cut them into small pieces. Cut the cucumber in four, lengthways and then continue to slice the pieces. Mix everything, and add salt. Form a pile of the mixed products in a salad dish or in portion salad plates and sprinkle with the vegetable oil. Grate the Bulgarian cheese over the salad to form of a "snow cap" then garnish with the olives and the parsley, to taste. If you want some added flavour then lightly sprinkle with vinegar.

Added extras
If you’re looking for extra spice, add a hot pepper to each portion. If you’re looking to impress the traditional decoration for Shopska Salad is a tomato rose.