In an interview with «FAKTY» magazine, a Ukrainian woman shared her love for one of the most delicious cheeses of her country and revealed some of her favorite recipes using it. This cheese, known as «suluguni», has been a staple in Ukrainian cuisine for centuries and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
Suluguni cheese is a semi-hard, brined cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a distinctive salty taste and a texture that is both chewy and creamy. It is typically sold in the shape of a braid or a ball and can be found in most Ukrainian markets and grocery stores.
The interviewee, Maria, grew up in a small village in western Ukraine where her family owned a dairy farm. She fondly remembers her grandmother making suluguni cheese using traditional methods passed down through generations. «My grandmother used to make the best suluguni cheese in the village,» Maria recalls with a smile. «She would wake up early in the morning to milk the cows and then spend hours in the kitchen making the cheese. It was a labor of love and the end result was always delicious.»
Maria believes that the key to making great suluguni cheese lies in the quality of the milk. «You need to use fresh, high-quality milk to get the best cheese,» she explains. «The milk should be heated to a specific temperature, then rennet is added to coagulate it. After that, the curds are cut and placed in molds to drain. Once the cheese has set, it is brined and aged for a few weeks before it is ready to be eaten.»
Aside from being enjoyed on its own, suluguni cheese is also a versatile ingredient in many Ukrainian dishes. Maria shares some of her favorite recipes that feature this delicious cheese.
One popular dish is «suluguni khachapuri», a Georgian-inspired flatbread topped with melted suluguni cheese and a runny egg. «It’s the ultimate comfort food,» Maria says. «The combination of the warm, gooey cheese and the soft bread is just heavenly.» Another dish is «suluguni salad», which is made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, topped with chunks of suluguni cheese and dressed with a simple vinaigrette. «It’s a refreshing and filling salad that is perfect for hot summer days,» Maria says.
Suluguni cheese is also a main ingredient in «varenyky», a type of Ukrainian dumpling. «My grandmother used to make varenyky with suluguni cheese and potatoes,» Maria shares. «The cheese adds a rich and savory flavor to the filling and makes the varenyky even more delicious.»
When asked why she thinks suluguni cheese is so beloved in Ukraine, Maria replies, «It’s a taste of home. It’s something that has been a part of our cuisine for generations and is deeply ingrained in our culture. Plus, it’s just really, really tasty.»
Suluguni cheese has also gained popularity outside of Ukraine in recent years. It can now be found in specialty cheese shops and restaurants in many countries. «It makes me happy to see other people enjoying our cheese,» Maria says. «It’s a piece of Ukrainian culture and history that we can share with the world.»
In conclusion, suluguni cheese is a true gem of Ukrainian cuisine. Its delicious taste and versatility make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed on its own or used in various dishes, this cheese is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. So next time you come across suluguni cheese, give it a try and experience the taste of Ukraine.
