Shopska Salata

Bulgaria's national salad is a riot of colour and freshness — ripe tomatoes, cool cucumbers, crisp peppers, and a generous snowfall of grated white salty cheese. No dressing needed beyond a drizzle of good oil.

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 3 green peppers, deseeded and diced
• 1 large white onion, finely diced
• 150g sirene (white brined cheese) or feta, coarsely grated
• 4 tbsp good sunflower or olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Method

1. Dice the tomatoes into 1.5 cm cubes. Dice the cucumbers similarly, with skin on.
2. Dice the green peppers and finely dice the onion. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil and toss gently.
4. Divide into individual serving bowls or serve on a large platter.
5. Top with a very generous amount of coarsely grated sirene or feta — more than you think is enough.
6. Finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately — this salad does not keep well once assembled.