Popara
A cheeky little Bulgarian breakfast that resembles a quick bread pudding.
Servings: 4
Calories: 320kcal
Equipment
- 1 Teapot or saucepan
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 4 cups One- or two-day-old or fresh bread (torn into pieces)
- 2 cups hot milk, water or hot black tea or herbal tea
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 1 cup Bulgarian feta cheese (sirene) (crumbled)
- Pinch of salt if needed
Instructions
- Heat the milk or tea until very warm. If using herbal tea, allow it to steep fully before assembling the dish.
- Tear stale bread into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. The uneven texture actually helps the bread absorb the tea more naturally.
- Place butter pieces over the bread while everything is still warm.
- This allows the butter to melt evenly throughout the dish.
- Slowly pour the hot tea over the bread. The bread should soften but not completely dissolve. Allow it to sit for about 1–2 minutes.
- Generously crumble sirene cheese over the top. The salty cheese balances the soft buttery bread beautifully.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Slightly stale bread creates the best texture.
- Bulgarian sirene gives the most authentic flavor.
- Herbal teas like mint, chamomile, or linden are traditional choices.
- Popara is best enjoyed fresh immediately after preparation.