Appetizers
Sirene po Shopski
Ingredients
- - 300 g (10 oz) sirene or feta cheese, sliced
- - 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- - 1 red pepper, diced
- - 2 eggs
- - 1 tbsp butter
- - 1 tsp sweet paprika
- - Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish
Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Divide diced tomato and pepper between two ramekins, dot with butter.
- Lay sliced sirene over the vegetables.
- Crack one egg on top of each ramekin.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese softens and the egg white sets.
- Sprinkle with paprika and parsley; serve bubbling hot with bread.
Introduction: This baked cheese dish layers sirene with tomato, peppers and a cracked egg, baked in individual clay ramekins until bubbling.
Cultural Background: This baked cheese dish layers sirene with tomato, peppers and a cracked egg, baked in individual clay ramekins until bubbling. Named for the Shopi region around Sofia, it's a classic starter in Bulgarian taverns (mehana).
Tips: Use shallow ramekins so the egg cooks evenly without overcooking the yolk. Serve immediately; the dish loses its appeal once cooled.
Variations: Add sliced mushrooms or a spoonful of lyutenitsa before baking. Some versions skip the egg for a simpler baked cheese starter. Vegetarian as written; omit the egg for a simpler vegetarian version, though a fully vegan adaptation is not authentic.
Storage: Best eaten fresh; not recommended for storage due to the egg component.
Reheating: Not recommended; the egg texture suffers on reheating.
Nutrition: Approx. 310 kcal, 18g protein, 24g fat, 6g carbs per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this without an egg?
A: Yes, a simple baked cheese-and-vegetable version is also traditional.
Q: What’s the best cheese substitute if sirene isn’t available?
A: A firm, salty feta is the closest widely available substitute.