Bell Pepper Tomato and Cheese Salad (Montenegrin Sopska)

Montenegrin Sopska salad is pronounced “Shopska”. It is very popular all through the Balkan countries. This salad is a real delight and perfect when fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are abundant. The fresher the better. Also what makes it special is the copious amounts of cheese that covered on top. The cheese is typically sirene or a farmers cheese that is soft and has a hint of saltiness. It is dressed with just a touch of some excellent extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

20 ripe cherry tomatoes
1 orange bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 cucumber
½ red onion
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
½ lb farmers cheese or sirene cheese

Wash all the vegetables, then put them in a large bowl.

For a more decorative effect use cherry tomatoes of different colours, if you can find them. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters depending on their size. Deseed and devein the peppers and cut them into bite size pieces. Peel the cucumber and onion and cut them into bite size pieces.

Mix together the olive oil and vinegar and pour over the vegetables. Toss together gently.

Plate the salad and then add lots of grated or crumbled cheese over the top of each plate.

Makes 4 servings.