Shʿifurah facts for kids
shifura with a shanklish ball on the side
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| Type | salad |
|---|---|
| Course | mezze |
| Place of origin |  Syria |
| Main ingredients | shanklish, tomato, onion, olive oil, salt |
Shaʿifūra (شعيفورة) or jaʿifūra (جعيفورة) is a tasty Syrian salad. It is made with a special cheese called shanklish, mixed with chopped tomatoes and onions. A drizzle of olive oil finishes this simple dish.
Shanklish, also known as sourkah, is a cheese shaped into balls. It has a very strong flavor because it is cured with thyme. Shaʿifūra salad is a popular dish that many families make in their own special way.
Contents
What is Shaʿifūra?
Shaʿifūra is a fresh and simple salad. It is a common dish in Syria, especially along the coast. People love it because the sweet taste of the tomato goes well with the strong flavor of the shanklish cheese.
How is it Made?
The main ingredients are shanklish cheese, fresh tomatoes, and onions. These are all chopped up and mixed together. A little olive oil is added for flavor.
Sometimes, people add other vegetables to their shaʿifūra. These can include cucumber, green pepper, or carrots. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint are also often chopped finely and mixed in. This makes the salad even more colorful and flavorful.
When to Eat Shaʿifūra
Shaʿifūra is often served as a mezze. A mezze is a small dish or appetizer, similar to tapas. People enjoy it for breakfast or dinner.
In restaurants along the Syrian coast, like in Baniyas, Tartous, or Latakia, shaʿifūra is a popular starter. It is served to customers before their main meal.
History and Other Names
Shaʿifūra has been enjoyed in Syria for a long time. In the past century, people from the Syrian coast moved to central cities like Homs, Hama, and Salamiya. They brought their love for shanklish cheese and shaʿifūra salad with them. This helped the salad become popular in more parts of Syria.
Other Names for the Salad
This salad is also known by other names. One common name is bāzarkān (بازركان). This name might have come from Turkey. Sometimes, people simply call it shanklish salad (سلطة شنكليش) because shanklish is the main ingredient.
Syrian Roquefort
Because of its strong and unique taste, shanklish cheese is sometimes called الروكفور الشامي, which means "Syrian Roquefort". Roquefort is another famous cheese known for its strong flavor.
See also
In Spanish: Shaifura para niños
