Macedonian cuisine

Macedonian cuisine is a representative of the cuisine of the Balkans, reflecting Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, and to a lesser extent Italian, German and Eastern European (especially Hungarian) ones. The relatively warm climate in North Macedonia provides excellent growth conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Thus, Macedonian cuisine is particularly diverse.

History

The history of Macedonia is rich and diverse. As a result, the cuisine has undergone many changes throughout the centuries. The Macedonians have a long tradition of cooking, which has been heavily influenced by the country's position on the Balkan Peninsula and its history of agricultural richness.

Common Dishes

Macedonian cuisine is noted for the diversity and quality of its dairy products, wines, and local alcoholic beverages, such as rakija. Tavče Gravče and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of North Macedonia, respectively. Other popular dishes include pastrmajlija, ajvar, kifli, and sarma.

Tavče Gravče

Tavče Gravče is a traditional Macedonian dish. It is a kind of baked beans dish prepared in a traditional earthenware. The dish is usually served with sausages or other types of meat.

Pastrmajlija

Pastrmajlija is a bread pie made from dough and meat. It is usually oval-shaped with chopped meat on top, traditionally with cubes of pork meat.

Ajvar

Ajvar is a type of relish, made principally from red bell peppers, with garlic. It may also contain eggplant and chili peppers. Ajvar originates in the Serbian cuisine, and was therefore long known in Macedonia.

Kifli

Kifli are filled pastries made with a thin flaky dough known as phyllo. They are filled with various fillings, such as cheese or nuts.

Sarma

Sarma is a dish of grape, cabbage, monk's rhubarb or chard leaves rolled around a filling usually based on minced meat, or a sweet dish of filo dough wrapped around a filling often of various kinds of nuts.

See Also

• Balkan cuisine
• Mediterranean cuisine
• Middle Eastern cuisine

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