Shopska salad
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Shopska salad (Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian: Шопска салата, Šopska salata; Czech: Šopský salát) is a Shop dish popular in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia and the Czech Republic. It is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, raw or roasted peppers (preferably roasted), and sirene (white brine cheese). The vegetables are usually diced and salted, followed by a light dressing of sunflower oil or olive oil, which are occasionally complemented by vinegar. The addition of vinegar only contributes, however, to the sour flavor that the tomatoes impart. In restaurants, the dressings are provided separately. Lastly, the vegetables are covered in a thick layer of grated or diced sirene. In areas where sirene cheese is unavailable, feta cheese may be used as a substitute. This salad is often consumed as an appetizer with rakia.
Shopska salad derives its name from the regional group called Shopi. The Shopi are credited with developing the original recipe.
