8 Best Rated
Dishes with Sirene

The Bulgarian pie banitsa made with cheese is the main version of this traditional pie. It's made by layering sheets of buttered phyllo pastry with a combination of eggs, yogurt, and cheese such as sirene and feta. There's an optional ingredient in the preparation of banitsa and it's baking soda, which makes the yogurt rise and makes the pie fluffier and richer in flavor. Traditionally, banitsa with cheese was prepared and served on Christmas and New Year's Eve, but nowadays it can also be bought throughout the year at grocery stores, street vendors, kiosks, and pretty much everywhere. Apart from this basic variety, there are also other types of savory or sweet banitsa pies filled with various vegetables and fruits.Expand

Ovcharska salata is a simple variation of the famous Shopska salata. Essentially, it is Shopska salata (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese) with the addition of mushrooms, eggs, and ham. The salad is typically tossed with vegetable oil, left to rest for a few minutes, and it is then ready for consumption. It is especially popular in summer due to its refreshing flavors and the usage of seasonal vegetables.Expand

Šopska salata is a traditional cold salad that is also one of the national dishes of Bulgaria. Often served during summer, when one can find it in most Bulgarian restaurants, the salad consists of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, roasted or raw peppers, and Bulgarian cheese. It was originally created in the 1950s, when Bulgarian top chefs were asked to create dishes that would attract tourists to the country. The vegetables are typically salted, drizzled with sunflower oil, and sprinkled with grated Bulgarian sirene cheese on top. Some people substitute sunflower oil with olive oil in hopes to enhance the dish, but it is believed that it only spoils the authentic taste of the salad. A perfect, light and refreshing dish for hot summer days, shopska salad is a healthy bite of Bulgarian tradition. The word shopska in its name refers to the frugal Shopi people from the Shopluk region, where Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia meet.Expand

Chushki burek is a traditional dish that is made by stuffing and frying peppers. Roasted sweet red peppers are filled with a mixture of cheese, eggs, and fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, then dredged in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and finally deep-fried in oil until crispy. The dish is typically consumed as a warm appetizer, and it is often accompanied by a sour garlic-yogurt sauce and a fresh salad on the side.Expand

Sirene po shopski consists of white Bulgarian cheese and tomatoes baked in gyuveche, a traditional earthenware pot. The ingredients are layered in the pot, seasoned with herbs such as parsley, and finished with an egg on top. It is believed that the dish originates in the area around Sofia. The reasons can be found in the name shopski, which refers to the Shopi people who live near the capital. This nutritious meal is usually served in the same earthenware pots in which it was baked, so each guest receives an individual serving. Sirene po shopski is most commonly consumed as an appetizer, but it can also be served as the main dish when paired with bread and a fresh salad on the side.Expand

It is believed that the Bulgarians took an old Balkan dish and enriched it by adding cheese to it, creating Panagyurski eggs in the process. Simple and flavorful, the dish consists of poached eggs, various spices (typically paprika and garlic), Bulgarian yogurt, and sirene or feta cheese. When properly prepared, Panagyurski eggs should be served with crusty bread on the side. For the truly adventurous, the dish can be paired with a glass of dry white wine.Expand

Katuk is a traditional specialty that is made by combining mashed cheese and plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt) or strained sour milk with oil, garlic, salt, herbs, and spices. The dish can be prepared with different types of cheese such as sirene (a crumbly white brine cheese) or feta cheese, while typical spices and herbs used to flavor it include smoked or regular paprika, black pepper, and freshly minced dill or parsley. Some versions call for the addition of roasted red peppers and walnuts to the combination, while others propose enhancing the dish with cucumbers or pickles. Katuk is a versatile dish that may be enjoyed as a spread that's slathered on sandwiches, as a refreshing dip for chips, crackers, or vegetables, or as a meze dish alongside a glass of rakija. It can also be used as a topping for crostini (small slices of toasted bread) or as a dressing for pasta salads.Expand

Patatnik is a dish originating from Bulgaria's Rhodope Mountains region. It is a flavorful combination of shredded potatoes and onions, seasoned with salt, pepper, and mint. Additional ingredients include sirene cheese, eggs, and various peppers. The origin of the name is derived from the local word patat, meaning potato. Although the dish is traditionally baked in an oven, it can also be fried or boiled, either rolled out in sheets or as a homogeneous mixture of ingredients.Expand