Bulgarian Cheese Stew

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 400g sirene cheese, crumbled 400g sirene cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced bell peppers and tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes until softened.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle paprika and chili flakes (if using) over the vegetables, stirring well.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the crumbled sirene cheese, stirring gently until melted and well combined.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Simmer the stew for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sirene cheese — Make sure to crumble the cheese into small pieces to ensure it melts evenly and incorporates well into the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Bulgarian Cheese Stew hot in individual bowls, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. It pairs well with a fresh green salad on the side.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or traditional Bulgarian pottery for an authentic touch.