Like so many countries, Bulgarian cuisine has roots in other countries and cultures and some of that history has been lost or twisted. The Greek influence is particularly obvious. There seems to be an endless variety of salads in Bulgaria although the traditional American salad based on lettuce, is foreign in the “Bulgarian kitchen.” One such salad is made up of shredded cabbage and carrots with dill and olive oil. It’s so simple but delicious. Another classic is chopped cucumbers with sour cream and dill. Another salad is made from pureed roasted eggplant. Sometimes baked red peppers and cucumbers are sliced and alternated on a plate for the contrasting color effect. But the most famous of Bulgarian salads is shopska salad. This classic is a mix of chopped cucumbers and tomatoes with olive oil. This is topped with shredded feta cheese. Cooked white beans with tomatoes are also commonly served.
A sampler of Bulgarian salads
There are more than a few appetizers but I’ll serve just a sampler here. My favorite is sweet red peppers stuffed with feta cheese, breaded and fried. A firmer yellow cheese is also breaded and fried.
Because Christian Bulgaria was under Muslim Turkish rule for five centuries, main dishes with pork became a specialty. Different regions developed their variation on pork stew. Sausages and meatballs are also popular. Chicken is sometimes baked on rice mixed with sauerkraut. Cabbage rolls filled with ground beef, tomatoes and rice is another Bulgarian entree.
Baklava is known as a Greek dessert but in Bulgaria it is held to be a Turkish treat. Torts are common and in great variety. In autumn, pumpkin-based desserts are made.
The Bulgarians have also developed their own versions of yogurt and bread. There are also teas made from different plant parts. Bulgarian wines are one of their specialties and are gaining a reputation beyond Europe. This barely scratches the surface of Bulgarian foods and beverages but, no pun intended, this is enough to give you a small taste of what they have developed. There are Bulgarian restaurants throughout the U.S. in places where there are large Bulgarian populations such as Chicago. But the best place to enjoy Bulgarian cuisine is in Bulgaria!