Macedonian winter foods are a cultural tradition deeply tied to language and identity. Let’s explore four iconic winter staples: туршија (turshija), кисела зелка (kisela zelka), ајвар (ajvar), and пинџур (pindjur).
Туршија (Turshija)
Turshija is a tangy mix of pickled vegetables, essential for the Macedonian winter table. Families prepare it by layering vegetables in jars and pouring over a brine made from water (вода, voda), vinegar (оцет, ocet), and salt (сол, sol).
Состојки: Ingredients Vocabulary
- зелка (zelka) – cabbage
- кисели краставички (kiseli krastavichki) – pickles
- моркови (morkovi) – carrots
- пиперки (piperki) – peppers
- карфиол (karfiol) – cauliflower
„Дома направивме вкусна туршија со зелка, моркови и пиперки.”
(We made tasty turshija at home with cabbage, carrots, and peppers.)
Кисела Зелка (Kisela Zelka)
Fermenting cabbage is an age-old tradition. Whole cabbage heads are submerged in salted water and left to ferment in barrels (буре, bure) for weeks. The result, kisela zelka, is a cornerstone of winter cooking, used in dishes like сарма (sarma), or eaten as a tangy side.
Состојки: Ingredients Vocabulary
- сол (sol) – salt
- зелка (zelka) – cabbage
- вода (voda) – water
„Ова е совршен рецепт за сарма со кисела зелка!“
(This is the perfect recipe for sarma with fermented cabbage!)
Ајвар (Ajvar)
Ajvar is lovingly prepared by roasting red peppers, peeling them, and cooking them into a rich, savory paste. Its preparation often becomes a family event (семејно собирање, semejno sobiranje), with everyone pitching in.
Состојки: Ingredients Vocabulary
- црвени пиперки (crveni piperki) – red peppers
- морков (morkov) – carrot (optional)
- модар патлиџан (modar patlidjan) – eggplant (optional)
- масло (maslo) – oil
- сол (sol) – salt
„Ајвар на леб со сирење“
(Ajvar on bread with cheese)
Пинџур (Pindjur)
Pindjur is similar to ajvar but includes tomatoes, giving it a slightly tangier taste. It’s made by roasting and blending vegetables, then cooking them down to a thick consistency. Like ajvar, it’s stored in jars.
Состојки: Ingredients Vocabulary
- домати (domati) – tomatoes
- пиперки (piperki) – peppers
- лук (luk) – garlic
- масло (maslo) – oil
„Секој пинџур е различен, но рецептот на баба ми е најдобар.“
(Every pindjur is different, but my grandma’s recipe is the best.)
Bon appétit, or as we say in Macedonian, „На здравје!“ (Na zdravje!)
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Macedonian Language Corner 