Like Feta, But Betta’
Photo courtesy of Christin McConnell.
As I enter the cheese section of Central Market, I’m happy to find the only item in the store that I covet: Bulgarian sheep’s milk cheese (which is similar to Greek feta, but saltier). In Bulgaria, the cheese is known as сирене / sirene (pronounced “seer-e-ne”).
Nestled among the Greek and Israeli feta, this white, crumbly cheese reminds me of living in Bulgaria. In fact, it exudes Bulgaria.
After being laid-off, I scrutinize every purchase I make; however, paying $3.00 for a ½ pound of sirene is well worth the cost. (Besides, I use it sparingly.)
At home, I drain the water from the packaging, so the cheese will retain its yummy saltiness. Next, I use the cheese to prepare Shopska salad. This Bulgarian staple consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, sirene, red onion, red wine vinegar, and sunflower oil, and is topped with a sprig of parsley and one black olive.
In Bulgaria, I could not forgo eating a tomato everyday during the month of August (when tomatoes were in season) and, eventually, I discovered topping a freshly-sliced tomato with a small amount of sirene made a great snack.
Fortunately, stateside, I can have my sirene and eat it, too!
Cultural Lesson: Bulgarians crumble sirene over French fries (a dish that is not for folks who are on a low sodium diet).
Filed under: Shopska Salad on March 21st, 2010
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:02 am
Mmmm… making me hungry!!
(sirene on french fries are my favorite!)
April 18th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Absolutely love Sirene cheese – can’t beat Shopska salad on a hot day.
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