Entry # 10- Healthy food from my country of origin. Bulgarian Cuisine

The unmistakable taste of Bulgarian food

Why does the Bulgarian cuisine taste so good? Bulgarian food is organic food. The dishes are prepared using natural products which to a great extend brings the unique taste of the Bulgarian meals. There are also many distinctive features of the Bulgarian cooking that contribute to the exception taste. When preparing meals with meat for example, Bulgarians start with cooking of the meat and gradually add the rest of the ingredients. In this way in one meal we have a mixture of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.

The combination of milk or yogurt with other products is also very typical for the Bulgarian national cuisine. It enriches the technology of food preparation and makes the dishes healthier. Another distinctive feature is the thermal processing of the products - they are simmered slowly on low heat which enables their nutritive qualities to be retained and, again, make the food taste much better.

Bulgarian cuisine is exceptionally diverse and delicious, consisting of various salads, breadstuffs, stews, and other local dishes. Many of the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation over the centuries. The traditional Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture of classic Bulgarian meals, intertwined with heritage from Slavonic, Greek, Turkish, and lately, other central and western European cuisines.

The most products for which Bulgaria is internationally known are yogurt and white brine (feta) cheese. These are almost always present on Bulgarian tables in one form or another. For centuries they are considered to be reason for the good health and the longevity of Bulgarians. We have a scientific explanation for this now. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which help the good bacteria in our gastrointestinal system to bring more nutrients for our bodies. Probiotics are also important in maintaining our immune system and metabolism of calcium and minerals.

People usually grow their own vegetables that are exceptionally tasty, which is why salads occupy a central place in our culinary tradition. 

Some of the most popular Bulgarian dishes are grilled – meat balls, kebapches, grilled meat pieces, grilled sausages, and others. Various stews and dishes in clay pots are also a regular part of the Bulgaria cuisine (hotchpotch and casseroles). One of the trademarks of the Bulgarian cuisine is Cheverme – an entire lamb roasted on a spit. This dish is typical for the Rhodope region, but it is also served throughout the country.

Bulgaria’s cuisine also consists of various cold cuts and other meat delicacies. Flat sausage is the most famous. Such delicacies are usually accompanied with a Bulgarian wine, since Bulgaria is justly famous for its wines.

This brief introduction only touches on the diverse Bulgarian dishes and drinks. To fully know the culinary magic of the country, it is necessary to visit all of the regions where the traditional recipes are proudly maintained and culinary delights are constantly on offer.

Bon Appétit!