Bulgaria, a country nestled in the Balkans, boasts a rich culinary tradition influenced by its diverse geography, history, and cultural exchanges. The summer months in Bulgaria are particularly delightful for food enthusiasts, as the abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients is celebrated in a variety of traditional dishes. From fresh salads to hearty stews and refreshing beverages, Bulgarian summer cuisine is a testament to the nation’s vibrant agricultural heritage and culinary ingenuity. This article explores the most cherished traditional Bulgarian summer foods, offering a glimpse into the flavors and culinary practices that define Bulgarian summer dining.

Shopska Salad

No discussion of Bulgarian summer foods would be complete without mentioning Shopska salad, arguably the country’s most iconic dish. Originating from the Shopluk region, this simple yet flavorful salad is a staple during the hot summer months.

Ingredients:

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Red or green bell peppers

Onion

Parsley

Bulgarian white cheese (sirene)

Oil

Vinegar

Salt

Preparation: to prepare Shopska salad, the vegetables are diced into bite-sized pieces and mixed. The salad is then generously topped with crumbled or grated sirene cheese, and a dressing of oil and vinegar is drizzled over it. This refreshing dish is often enjoyed as a starter or a side dish, offering a burst of freshness and a perfect balance of flavors.

Tarator (cold yogurt soup)

Tarator is a cold cucumber soup that provides much-needed relief during Bulgaria’s scorching summer days. This chilled soup is light, refreshing, and easy to make, making it a favorite among Bulgarians.

Ingredients:

Cucumbers

Yogurt

Garlic

Dill

Water

Oil

Salt

Preparation: sucumbers are finely chopped or grated and combined with yogurt, minced garlic, and finely chopped dill. Water is added to achieve the desired consistency, making the soup more fluid. Some variations include crushed walnuts for added texture and flavor. The soup is then seasoned with salt and a drizzle of oil. Served cold, tarator is not only refreshing but also packed with probiotics and nutrients.

Kyopolu

Kyopolou is a traditional Bulgarian vegetable relish made primarily from roasted eggplants and peppers. It is commonly served as a spread on bread or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

Eggplants

Red bell peppers

Tomatoes

Garlic

Parsley

Oil

Vinegar

Salt

Preparation: the eggplants and bell peppers are roasted until their skins are charred, then peeled and mashed. Tomatoes are diced and added to the mixture along with minced garlic and finely chopped parsley. The mixture is then seasoned with oil, vinegar, and salt. Kyopolou can be served cold or at room temperature and is a flavorful addition to any summer meal.

Lyutenitsa

Lyutenitsa is a beloved Bulgarian spread made from a mix of tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and various spices. It’s a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in numerous ways.

Ingredients:

Red peppers

Tomatoes

Carrots

Eggplants (optional)

Garlic

Sugar

Salt

Sunflower oil

Preparation: the vegetables are roasted until soft and then blended into a smooth paste. Garlic, sugar, salt, sunflower oil are added to enhance the flavor. The mixture is simmered until it thickens, resulting in a rich, savory spread. Ljutenitsa is commonly eaten with bread, used as a dip, or served alongside grilled meats.

Bulgarian grilled meats (Skara)

Grilling is an integral part of Bulgarian summer cuisine, with a variety of meats and sausages cooked over open flames. The most popular grilled items include kebapche (minced meat sausages) and kyufte (meatballs).

Ingredients for kebapche:

Ground pork or a mix of pork and beef

Garlic

Cumin

Salt

Black pepper

Preparation: the minced meat is mixed with crushed garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. The mixture is then shaped into sausage-like forms and grilled until cooked through. Kebapche is typically served with a side of fresh salad, fries, and bread.

Ingredients for kyufte:

Ground pork or a mix of pork and beef

Onion

Parsley

Cumin

Salt

Black pepper

Preparation: the meat is combined with finely chopped onion, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. The mixture is shaped into patties and grilled. Like kebapche, kyufte is enjoyed with salads and other accompaniments.

Musaka

While moussaka is often associated with Greek cuisine, the Bulgarian version is a popular summer dish that highlights the use of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

Potatoes

Ground pork or beef

Onions

Tomatoes

Yogurt

Eggs

Sunflower oil

Salt

Black pepper

Preparation: sliced potatoes are layered in a baking dish with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and tomatoes. The layers are seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. The dish is baked until the potatoes are tender, and then a mixture of yogurt and eggs is poured over the top and baked until set. Bulgarian moussaka is hearty yet light enough for a summer meal.

Gyuvech

Gyuvech is a traditional Bulgarian vegetable and meat stew that can be enjoyed year-round, but it is especially popular in the summer when fresh vegetables are abundant.

Ingredients:

Eggplants

Zucchini

Bell peppers

Tomatoes

Potatoes

Carrots

Onions

Garlic

Sunflower oil

Salt

Black pepper

Paprika

Preparation: the vegetables are chopped and combined with chunks of meat, if using. The mixture is placed in a clay pot and seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sunflower oil is drizzled over the top, and the stew is baked until all the ingredients are tender and the flavors meld together. Gyuvech is a flavorful and nutritious dish that highlights the best of Bulgarian summer produce.

Meshana skara

Meshana skara, or “mixed grill,” is a carnivore’s delight featuring an assortment of grilled meats, including kebapche, kyufte, pork chops, and sausages. This dish is a common sight at summer barbecues and gatherings.

Ingredients:

Kebapche

Kyufte

Pork chops

Sausages

Seasonings (cumin, salt, pepper, garlic)

Preparation: each type of meat is seasoned appropriately and grilled over an open flame. The meats are served together on a platter, often accompanied by fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and bread. Meshana skara is a celebration of Bulgarian grilling traditions and the joy of communal dining.

Sarmi

Sarmi, or stuffed grape leaves, is a traditional Bulgarian dish often enjoyed during the summer when grape leaves are fresh and tender.

Ingredients:

Fresh grape leaves

Ground pork or beef

Rice

Onions

Dill

Mint

Parsley

Sunflower oil

Salt

Black pepper

Preparation: the grape leaves are blanched and then stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, finely chopped onions, and herbs. The stuffed leaves are rolled and placed in a pot, then covered with water or broth and simmered until the rice and meat are cooked through. Sarmi can be served warm or cold, often accompanied by a dollop of yogurt.

Tikvichki

Tikvichki, or fried zucchini, is a simple yet beloved summer dish in Bulgaria. The zucchini are typically served with a garlicky yogurt sauce.

Ingredients:

Zucchini

Flour

Sunflower oil

Salt

Ingredients for the Sauce:

Yogurt

Garlic

Dill

Salt

Preparation: zucchini is sliced into thin rounds, lightly coated in flour, and fried until golden and crispy. The accompanying sauce is made by mixing yogurt with minced garlic, finely chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. The crispy zucchini paired with the creamy sauce is a delightful summer treat.

Kavarma

Kavarma is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year but is particularly popular in the summer when fresh vegetables are readily available. It is typically made with pork, but variations with chicken or beef are also common.

Ingredients:

Pork (or chicken/beef)

Onions

Bell peppers

Tomatoes

Mushrooms

Wine

Sunflower oil

Salt

Black pepper

Paprika

Preparation: the meat is cut into chunks and sautéed with onions and bell peppers. Tomatoes and mushrooms are added along with a splash of wine and seasonings. The mixture is simmered until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together. Kavarma is often served with rice or bread.

Bulgarian summer cuisine is a colorful and tasty tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas that celebrate the country’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary traditions. From refreshing salads and chilled soups to hearty grilled meats and savory pastries, Bulgarian summer foods offer something for everyone. These dishes are not only a testament to Bulgaria’s culinary prowess but also a reflection of the communal spirit and love for fresh, seasonal ingredients that define Bulgarian culture. Whether you’re enjoying a simple Shopska salad or indulging in a mixed grill feast, the traditional summer foods of Bulgaria provide a delicious and memorable dining experience.