Shopska Salata

Anyone who has been here for very long knows I have a thing for cucumber salad. I started with Israeli salad, and then fattoush. Also a Russian version, Korean, Egyptian, Vietnamese, Kenyan, German. This version however is Bulgarian. Considered Bulgaria most famous salad this version is delicious with the inclusion of the feta cheese. Dill is not traditionally added to this salad in Bulgaria but I tried it both ways and both were delicious.

1 large English cucumber
1 large tomato
2 Tbsp. sunflower oil
2 Tbsp. champagne or white wine vinegar
Salt to taste
2 green onions
1/2 red pepper (roasted)
1-2 oz. sirene or feta cheese
Fresh or dried dill (optional)

Rub the red pepper with a little sunflower oil. Broil in the oven with the inside facing up until the inside is starting to look cooked. Flip over an broil until blackened. Place in a plastic bag, seal shut, and allow to cool. When cool the skin should have steamed and be easy to peel off. Remove and chop. 

Combine the sunflower oil, vinegar, salt, green onions, and dill if using. Add the cucumber, tomato, chopped red pepper. and half the cheese. Place in a serving dish and top with remaining cheese.