Shoppe-style Cheese Recipe - Vegetarian Bulgarian Dish

Shoppe-style Cheese

Shoppe-style Cheese Recipe - Vegetarian Bulgarian Dish
Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 5 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Shoppe-style Cheese
Shoppe-style Cheese

Shoppe-style Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that features brined sheep's cheese baked with tomatoes, peppers, and eggs. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

Shoppe-style Cheese has its origins in the traditional cuisine of the Balkans, particularly in countries like Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia. This dish is a popular choice for breakfast or brunch and is often served with crusty bread or pita.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cut the cheese into five equal slices and place them into butter-lined (earthenware) bowls.
  2. Top with tomato slices, pepper rings, and some butter. Bake in a hot oven for about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Break an egg on top of each bowl and add the remaining butter along with pepper and paprika.
  4. Bake until a crust is formed.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with slices of tomato, parsley, and a chili pepper, if desired.

Variations

  • Add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
  • Use different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use high-quality brined sheep's cheese for the best flavor.

- Be careful not to overcook the eggs, as they should be slightly runny for the perfect texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shoppe-style Cheese with crusty bread, pita, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cow's milk cheese instead of sheep's cheese if desired.

- Substitute bell peppers for spicy chili peppers for a kick of heat.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cheese and vegetable mixture ahead of time and bake with the eggs just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Shoppe-style Cheese in individual earthenware bowls for a rustic and charming presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Shoppe-style Cheese with a light and crisp white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shoppe-style Cheese contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shoppe-style Cheese contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shoppe-style Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shoppe-style Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shoppe-style Cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and butter) and eggs.

Summary

Shoppe-style Cheese is a rich and satisfying dish that is high in fats and proteins. It is a great option for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Summary

Shoppe-style Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the countryside. My family didn't have much, but my mother always made sure there was plenty of food on the table. She had a talent for cooking that seemed to come naturally to her, and I was always by her side in the kitchen, eager to learn.

One day, a new shop opened up in town - a quaint little cheese shop run by a kindly old man named Mr. Jenkins. The shop was filled with all kinds of cheeses, ranging from mild cheddar to sharp blue. I had never seen so many varieties in one place before, and I was instantly captivated.

I would visit Mr. Jenkins' shop every chance I got, asking him questions about the different cheeses and watching him work his magic behind the counter. He was a patient man, and he took the time to explain the intricate process of making cheese to me. I was fascinated by the way he combined simple ingredients like milk and rennet to create such delicious and versatile products.

One day, as I was browsing through the shop, Mr. Jenkins handed me a small piece of cheese and asked me to try it. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - creamy and tangy, with a hint of sweetness that lingered on my tongue. I was hooked.

I asked Mr. Jenkins if he would teach me how to make this cheese, and to my delight, he agreed. He invited me to his home the following weekend, where he showed me the entire process from start to finish. I watched in awe as he heated the milk, added the rennet, and patiently waited for the curds to form. It was a laborious process, but the end result was worth it.

After several hours of hard work, Mr. Jenkins presented me with a wheel of cheese that he had made himself. It was a beautiful golden color, with a smooth texture and a rich, nutty flavor. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious with my own two hands.

From that day on, I was determined to perfect the art of cheese making. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and techniques, until I finally found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I even started selling my cheese at the local market, where it quickly became a hit with the townspeople.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the knowledge that Mr. Jenkins so generously shared with me. It has become a staple in our household, a reminder of the day that I discovered my passion for cooking and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the familiar smells of my kitchen and the comforting warmth of the oven, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. The memory of discovering the recipe for Shoppe-style Cheese will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic that can happen when you follow your passion and let it guide you on a delicious adventure.

Categories

| Bell Pepper Recipes | Bulgarian Appetizers | Bulgarian Recipes | Bulgarian Vegetarian | Egg Recipes | Feta Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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