Chiprovski Sirene Cheese from Bulgaria

Chiprovski Sirene is a Bulgarian brined cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin. This white cheese is traditionally made from sheep’s milk in the Chiprovtsi region. It boasts a firm yet crumbly texture and a rich, tangy, and salty flavor profile. Cheese lovers prize it for its authentic taste and artisanal production methods.

Distinctive Features of Chiprovski Sirene

Chiprovski Sirene possesses a pure, snowy white interior without any holes. Its texture is firm and slightly grainy, yet it crumbles beautifully under gentle pressure. The cheese has a high moisture content due to its preservation in brine, which also gives it a characteristic salty tang. A typical wheel measures approximately 15 to 20 centimetres in height and 25 to 30 centimetres in diameter, weighing between 3 and 5 kilograms.

The rind of Chiprovski Sirene is thin, natural, and bears the imprint of the traditional cheesecloth used during draining. Its aroma is clean and lactic, with pronounced milky and salty notes. The fat in dry matter content typically ranges from 45% to 50%, contributing to its rich mouthfeel. This cheese is always sold and stored submerged in its whey-brine solution to maintain freshness and flavor.

Chiprovski Sirene Varieties

The primary variety of Chiprovski Sirene is made exclusively from raw sheep’s milk. This traditional method is mandated by its PDO status to protect its authenticity. Some local dairies also produce a version aged for a longer period, which develops a sharper, more piquant flavor. The cheese is not typically smoked or flavored with herbs, preserving its pure, milky character.

While the PDO designation is strict, some producers outside the delimited area make a similar style of cheese. These versions might use pasteurized milk or a blend of sheep and cow’s milk. They lack the specific terroir and traditional methods of the authentic Chiprovski Sirene. The true PDO cheese remains a unique product of its specific mountainous region.

History and Traditions of Chiprovski Sirene

Chiprovski Sirene has a deep history rooted in the Balkan region of Chiprovtsi in northwestern Bulgaria. Its production dates back centuries, developed by local shepherds who needed to preserve milk. The region is famous for its pastoral traditions and rug weaving, with cheese-making being a cornerstone of its cultural identity. The specific microclimate and pasture flora of the western Balkan Mountains are crucial to the milk’s quality.

The cheese is central to Bulgarian cuisine and many social rituals. It is a mandatory element on the table during holidays like Easter and Christmas. The knowledge of its production is passed down through generations within families. The European Union granted it PDO status in 2014, officially recognizing and protecting its unique geographical origin and traditional recipe.

Production Process of Chiprovski Sirene

The production of authentic Chiprovski Sirene begins with fresh, raw sheep’s milk from local breeds. The milk is warmed to a precise temperature of around 30°C before adding natural rennet for coagulation. This process takes about an hour, resulting in a firm, gelatinous curd. The curd is then carefully cut into small, walnut-sized pieces to facilitate whey expulsion.

The curds are gently stirred and heated slightly before being transferred into moulds lined with cheesecloth. These moulds are pressed for several hours to achieve the desired firmness and shape. The young cheeses are then submerged in a natural brine solution made from whey and salt for salting and preservation. They mature in this brine for a minimum of 40 days, developing their full flavor and texture.

Wine or Beverage Pairings for Chiprovski Sirene

Bulgarian wines are the natural companion for this regional cheese. A crisp, acidic white wine like a local Misket or Dimyat balances the saltiness beautifully. These wines cut through the richness and refresh the palate. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied, fruity Gamza or Melnik from the Struma Valley offers a excellent contrast.

Beyond wine, the national spirit rakia is a classic pairing. A grape or plum rakia complements the cheese’s salty intensity. For a non-alcoholic option, ayran, a savory yogurt drink, is a traditional and perfect match. Its cool, tangy profile harmonizes with the cheese and is a staple in Bulgarian meals.

Suitable Fruit and Vegetables with Chiprovski Sirene

Fresh, juicy tomatoes are a quintessential pairing with Chiprovski Sirene, especially in a classic Shopska salad. Crisp cucumbers and bell peppers also provide a refreshing contrast to its saltiness. The combination is a staple of Bulgarian summer cuisine. Watermelon and chilled cantaloupe are surprising but fantastic fruit pairings that offset the brine.

Olives and pickled vegetables like peppers and caper berries enhance its savory character. Roasted red peppers, either fresh or from a jar, add a sweet smokiness that complements the cheese. For a sweet note, figs and ripe pears work wonderfully, offering a honeyed contrast to the salty, tangy flavors.

Suitable Meat and Fish Dishes for Chiprovski Sirene

Chiprovski Sirene is crumbled over grilled meats like kebapche and kyufte. It melts beautifully into a topping for baked dishes like moussaka. The cheese adds a salty, creamy dimension to these hearty meals. It is also a key ingredient in the filling for banitsa, a traditional pastry often eaten for breakfast.

For fish, it is excellent baked with river trout or sea bass. The cheese forms a delicious crust and seasons the mild fish perfectly. It can also be mixed with herbs and stuffed into calamari before grilling. Its robust flavor stands up well to the char from the grill.

Presentation of Chiprovski Sirene

Remove Chiprovski Sirene from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to come to room temperature, around 18-20°C, which maximizes its aroma and flavor. Serve it on a simple wooden board or a slate plate to showcase its white color. Arrange large chunks or thick slices rather than thin slivers to appreciate its crumbly texture.

Use a cheese plane or a strong knife to cut or break the cheese. Provide a small fork or cheese picks for guests to serve themselves. Always have a small dish on the side to drain any excess brine from the serving piece. Place it alongside its accompaniments like bread, vegetables, and cold cuts for a visually appealing and practical cheese board.

Recipe Ideas with Chiprovski Sirene

Traditional Bulgarian Shopska Salad

Shopska salad is the national salad of Bulgaria and a perfect showcase for Chiprovski Sirene. It is a refreshing, crunchy, and colorful dish served as a starter or a side. The saltiness of the cheese balances the acidity of the dressing and the sweetness of the vegetables. It is incredibly simple to prepare and is a staple in every Bulgarian home and restaurant.

This dish is meant to be assembled just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients. The generous topping of grated cheese resembles the snowy peaks of the Bulgarian mountains. It is traditionally eaten with a glass of rakia as the first course of a meal. Its bright flavors are the essence of Balkan summer cuisine.

• 3 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 150g Chiprovski Sirene, grated
• 3 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and fresh parsley to taste

1. Combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and sliced red onion in a large salad bowl.
2. In a small jar, shake together the sunflower oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
4. Pile the salad high on a plate and generously cover the top with the grated Chiprovski Sirene.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread.

Baked Chiprovski Sirene with Paprika (Sirene po Shopski)

Sirene po Shopski is a classic baked cheese dish from the region. It is a simple, rustic, and incredibly satisfying appetizer or main course. The cheese is baked in a small clay pot until bubbly and golden on top. The addition of an egg and a pepper creates a complete and hearty meal.

This dish is perfect for sharing and is often ordered in mehana (taverns) across Bulgaria. The clay pot helps to retain heat, keeping the cheese molten for longer. It is typically eaten by dipping pieces of bread directly into the pot. The recipe highlights the excellent melting qualities and robust flavor of the cheese.

• 400g block of Chiprovski Sirene
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp Bulgarian kyopoolu or roasted red pepper spread (or 1 fresh pepper, sliced)
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• Fresh crusty bread for serving

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C. Cut the cheese block into two equal-sized cubes.
2. Place each cheese cube into an individual small clay pot or ramekin.
3. Make a small indentation in the top of each cheese cube and crack one egg into each.
4. Surround the cheese with slices of tomato and pepper (or a spoonful of pepper spread).
5. Drizzle each pot with a tablespoon of oil and sprinkle the paprika over the top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve immediately with plenty of bread.

Similar Cheeses and Alternatives to Chiprovski Sirene

Feta cheese from Greece is the most widely known alternative, though it is often made with sheep and goat’s milk blend. While similar as a brined cheese, Feta has a Protected Designation of Origin itself and a slightly tangier, less salty profile. Bulgarian Sirene is another close relative, but it is a more generic term for white brined cheese not bound to a specific region like Chiprovski. Serbian Sjenički sir and Turkish Beyaz Peynir are other Balkan brined cheeses that share a similar production method and salty, crumbly texture.

For those seeking a cheese with a similar application but different flavor, Halloumi from Cyprus offers a great grilling alternative. Ricotta Salata, an Italian salted and dried ricotta, provides a firm, salty grating cheese that can be used similarly in salads. However, no other cheese perfectly replicates the specific terroir and traditional craftsmanship of authentic PDO Chiprovski Sirene from Bulgaria.

Chiprovski Sirene cheese: Questions and answers