Appetizers

Make authentic Bulgarian Kyopolu: roasted eggplant and red peppers mashed with garlic, parsley, and vinegar. Regional variations, serving ideas, and tips.

Make authentic Bulgarian roasted red peppers: oven/grill or chushkopek methods, caramelization explained, peel-and-season tips, garlic-parsley salad and uses.

Enjoy a refreshing and tangy delicacy with shad rolls marinated in beer. Fillets of shad are soaked in a flavorful beer-based brine with onion, spices, and lemon, then rolled and served cold on crisp lettuce and lemon slices.

Traditional Bulgarian-style recipe for pan-fried shad (Danube herring), served with lemon and fresh salad. A springtime dish celebrating the short migration season of this prized fish.

This traditional Bulgarian dish, Tikvichki s Oriz, is a simple yet delicious recipe featuring zucchini and rice simmered with herbs and spices. It’s a popular summer meal in Bulgaria, known for its lightness and nourishing qualities.

This tapas platter features an assortment of classic Spanish dishes, including two variations of Tortilla Española—one with potatoes and another with peas—along with Jamón Serrano and Roasted Vegetables

This vibrant skewer platter includes juicy beef skewers with onions and peppers, flavorful poultry meatballs paired with mushrooms, mussels with green peppers and onions, and crispy samosas. Each skewer has its marinade to enhance the flavors, and fried chicken wings are served as a crispy side.

This recipe combines tender eggplant halves stuffed with flavorful small octopus, creating a delightful Mediterranean dish. The eggplant provides a soft, rich base, while the octopus adds a slightly chewy, savory texture. The dish is complemented by herbs and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

This elegant appetizer of pan-seared white fish fillets served over a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables atop a crispy potato chip base is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort. The light, crispy fish pairs beautifully with the fresh, crunchy vegetables and offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, typically served on dark rye bread with various toppings. This recipe features a classic version with fish, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon, giving it a refreshing and simple flavor that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.