Bulgarian food holds a special place in my heart, and one handy ingredient from that region is Sharena Sol, which translates to “Colorful Salt” in English. This blend of salt, spices, and herbs is very simple, but it’s delivers a lot of flavor that jazzes up a wide variety of dishes.
What makes Sharena Sol so handy is its ability to add a burst of flavor to almost any meal with just a sprinkle. From scrambled eggs, to cheese toast, to roast chicken, this spice mix brings a touch of The Balkans straight to your table.
In this post, I’m sharing my recipe for Sharena Sol and some of my favorite ways to use it. Whether you’re familiar with Bulgarian cuisine or new to it, this spice blend is an easy way to explore new flavors in your everyday cooking.
What You’ll Need to Make Sharena Sol
To prepare this Bulgarian spice mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon summer savory (dried)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
As for equipment, you’ll only need:
- A small mixing bowl
- A spoon for mixing
- A jar with a tight-fitting lid for storage
That’s all you need to make this flavorful spice blend. The beauty of Sharena Sol lies in its simplicity and the bold flavors it brings to your dishes.
How to Make Sharena Sol
Making Sharena Sol is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Gather all your ingredients: summer savory, salt, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all the measured ingredients.
- Use a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined.
- Once mixed, transfer the Sharena Sol to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
That’s it! Your homemade Sharena Sol is ready to use. This spice blend will keep well for several months when stored properly, allowing you to enjoy its flavors in various dishes whenever you like.
Tips for Using Sharena Sol
Now that you’ve made your Sharena Sol, here are some suggestions for using it:
- Sprinkle it on eggs for a flavorful breakfast.
- Use it as a rub for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Add it to soups or stews for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use it to season potato dishes, from mashed potatoes to french fries.
- Sprinkle on cheese toast or a grilled cheese sandwich for a quick snack.
Remember, a little goes a long way with this flavorful blend, so start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sharena Sol
Sharena Sol is a traditional Bulgarian spice mix. Its name translates to “Colorful Salt” in English. It’s a blend of salt, herbs, and spices that adds flavor to various dishes.
Like many spice mixes, the ingredients in Sharena Sol vary widely depending on different regions and households. It almost always includes summer savory (chubritsa) cumin, and paprika, but other versions I’ve seen include herbs like fenugreek leaves and dried basil too. I’m fairly certain garlic powder is a non-traditional ingredient, but I love it so I include it in my recipe.
Yes, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, like adding different herbs or adjusting the ratio of spices. Make it your own!
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, homemade Sharena Sol can last for several months.
As a rub for meats
Added to soups and stews
Seasoning for roasted vegetables
On cheese toast or sandwiches
To flavor potato dishes
Sharena Sol is flavorful but not typically spicy. The paprika adds color and a mild sweetness rather than heat. However, you can adjust the level of spiciness by using hot paprika if desired.
Sharena Sol isn’t readily available in stores outside of Bulgaria or Eastern European specialty shops. Lucky for us, it’s easy to make at home with ingredients you probably already have kicking around!
Yes. My Bulgarian boyfriend grew up calling this spice mix “merudia”. After some internet searching, we found merudia commonly refers to any green herb (savory, thyme, even dill!) So it really depends on who you talk to.
I hope you make some of this delightful herb and spice mix and try it for yourself. It’s amazing how easy dinner can be when you have a handy little mixture that makes everything taste good.
Leave a comment to share what you’ll be sprinkling this on!
Interested in another delightful Bulgarian recipe? Try Tarator (Cold Cucumber Yogurt Soup). It’s delicious any time of year, especially in the summer.
Sharena Sol Recipe (Colorful Salt)
Equipment
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 spoon for mixing
- 1 jar with a tight-fitting lid for storage
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon summer savory dried
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients: summer savory, salt, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all the measured ingredients.
- Use a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined.
- Once mixed, transfer the Sharena Sol to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
