Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant and diverse tastes of Bulgarian cuisine with our featured recipe, Meshana Skara. This traditional dish is a true celebration of the country's culinary heritage, combining the finest local ingredients with a unique blend of spices to create a symphony of flavors. Join us as we explore the art of crafting Meshana Skara, a dish deeply rooted in Bulgarian culture and cherished for its hearty and satisfying essence. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an adventurous home cook, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the heart of Bulgaria, where every bite tells a story of tradition, warmth, and deliciousness. Get ready to indulge in the delectable world of Meshana Skara!

Ingredients:

• 500g kebapche (Bulgarian grilled minced meat)
• 500g kyufte (Bulgarian meatballs)
• 500g pork shoulder, cut into cubes
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Marinate the Meats:

1-Place the kebapche, kyufte, and pork cubes in separate bowls.

2-Divide the marinade equally among the three bowls, ensuring each type of meat is well coated.

3-Allow the meats to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Grill:

1-Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

2-If using skewers for kebapche and kyufte, thread them onto the skewers.

Grilling:

1-Place the marinated meats on the preheated grill.

2-Grill the kebapche and kyufte for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and slightly charred.

3-Grill the pork cubes for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Prepare the Onion Sauce:

1-In a skillet, heat sunflower oil over medium heat.

2-Add finely chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.

3-Stir in sweet paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve:

1-Arrange the grilled meats on a serving platter.

2-Drizzle the onion sauce over the meats and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy:Serve the Meshana Skara with your favorite side dishes, such as fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or traditional Bulgarian flatbread.

This Meshana Skara recipe captures the essence of Bulgarian cuisine, offering a delectable mix of grilled meats that are bursting with flavors and textures. Enjoy this culinary delight with family and friends for an authentic taste of Bulgaria.

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific information on brands, preparation methods, or exact quantities used, but here's a general overview based on common nutritional data. Keep in mind that these are estimates:

Nutritional Values (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

Meats:

Kebapche (500g):

• Calories: 1200 kcal
• Protein: 80g
• Fat: 100g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Rich in protein for muscle building and repair.
• Provides essential amino acids for overall health.
• Good source of B vitamins, particularly B12.

Kyufte (500g):

• Calories: 1000 kcal
• Protein: 60g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits:

• High protein content supports muscle function and metabolism.
• Contains iron for oxygen transport and energy production.
• Provides essential amino acids for various bodily functions.

Pork shoulder (500g):

• Calories: 1100 kcal
• Protein: 80g
• Fat: 90g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• High in protein for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, zinc, and phosphorus.
• Contains healthy fats for energy and nutrient absorption.

Vegetables:

Red onion (1 large):

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may support heart health.
• Rich in fiber for digestive health.
• Provides vitamins C and B6 for immune support.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Known for its potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, which may have antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• May help regulate blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Fresh parsley (for garnish):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K for immune support and bone health.
• Contains antioxidants that may combat inflammation.
• Provides chlorophyll, which may have detoxifying properties.

Oils and Spices:

Sunflower oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 56g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.
• Provides healthy fats that may promote heart health.
• Supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may protect cells from damage.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds flavor without added salt or calories.

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• May aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
• Contains antioxidants that may have health benefits.
• Adds a distinctive flavor to dishes.

Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• May help control blood sugar levels.
• Contains acetic acid, which may aid digestion.
• Adds a tangy flavor to dishes without added calories.

Olive oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 56g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which may promote heart health.
• Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• Enhances the flavor and texture of dishes.

Dried oregano (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• May have antimicrobial effects.
• Adds a robust flavor to dishes.

Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Adds a smoky flavor without adding calories or sodium.
• Contains antioxidants that may have health benefits.
• Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Honey (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits:

• Natural sweetener with potential antimicrobial properties.
• Contains antioxidants that may have health benefits.
• Adds sweetness without refined sugars.

Total Nutritional Values (per serving):

• Calories: 4800 kcal
• Protein: 220g
• Fat: 382g
• Carbohydrates: 33g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Adjustments may be needed based on your actual cooking practices and the specific products you use.