There’s something magical about a dish that transforms humble ingredients into pure comfort. Mish Mash, Bulgaria’s beloved scrambled egg and vegetable skillet, does exactly that. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a quick weeknight dinner, this colorful dish delivers flavor, nutrition, and a taste of Bulgarian home cooking in every bite.
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What Is Mish-Mash?
Mish Mash (pronounced “meesh-mahsh”) is a traditional Bulgarian dish made by cooking fresh peppers, tomatoes, and onions together, then scrambling in eggs and crumbling white cheese on top. Think of it as Bulgaria’s answer to shakshuka or menemen, but with its own unique character and charm.
This dish hails from Bulgaria, a country in Southeast Europe known for its rich culinary traditions and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Mish-Mash has been a staple in Bulgarian kitchens for generations, loved for its simplicity, affordability, and incredible taste.
Why is it so popular in home cooking? Mish-Mash requires no special skills, fancy equipment, or hard-to-find ingredients. Bulgarian families have been making it for decades because it’s quick, satisfying, and uses vegetables that grow abundantly in summer gardens. It’s the kind of recipe grandmothers pass down, and home cooks turn to when they need something delicious without fuss.
When do people eat Mish Mash? While it’s fantastic any time of day, Bulgarians most commonly enjoy it for breakfast or brunch, especially on lazy weekends. It also makes a perfect light lunch or quick dinner when paired with crusty bread. Mish Mash is a summer staple across Bulgaria, appearing on tables nationwide as soon as tomatoes and peppers reach their seasonal best.
Ingredients Used in Mish Mash
The beauty of Mish-Mash lies in its simplicity. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now.
Main Ingredients
- Eggs (4-6, depending on servings): The protein base that binds everything together
- Green peppers (2-3 medium): Use bell peppers for sweetness or slightly spicy varieties for a kick
- Tomatoes (3-4 ripe medium tomatoes): Fresh is essential here; summer tomatoes work best
- Onion (1 large): Yellow or white onion adds sweetness and depth
- Bulgarian white cheese (100-150g): Called “sirene,” this brined cheese is similar to feta but creamier. Feta makes an excellent substitute
Optional Add-Ins
- Garlic (2-3 cloves): Adds aromatic depth
- Parsley (fresh, chopped): For brightness and color
- Chili flakes or fresh chili peppers: If you like it spicy
The ingredient list is short, but quality matters. During peak summer season, when vegetables are ripest, Mish Mash truly shines.
How to Craft the Perfect Mish Mash from Scratch
Making authentic Mish Mash is straightforward, but following these steps ensures perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Dice the onion finely, slice the peppers into thin strips or small chunks (removing seeds and membranes), and chop the tomatoes into medium pieces. If using garlic, mince it finely. Organizing your workspace and ingredients prior to starting ensures a seamless and efficient culinary experience.
Step 2: Cook the Peppers and Onion
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil work well) in a wide, deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to tenderize. Add the peppers and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. The peppers should lose their raw bite but still have some texture. If using garlic, add it in the last minute of cooking the peppers.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with the peppers and onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, creating a chunky sauce. The mix should be damp, but make sure it isn’t sitting in a puddle. If there’s too much liquid, let it cook a bit longer to evaporate.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Crack the eggs directly into the pan over the vegetable mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir to scramble the eggs into the vegetables. Don’t overmix—you want soft, creamy curds throughout the vegetables, not a uniform scramble. When the eggs are about 80% cooked (still slightly wet), crumble the white cheese over the top. Stir gently once or twice to distribute the cheese.
Step 5: Final Texture and Serving
Remove from heat when the eggs are just set but still glossy and slightly creamy. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot, straight from the pan for that authentic Bulgarian experience.
Total cooking time: About 25-30 minutes
Tips for the Best Mish Mash
After making Mish-Mash dozens of times, here’s what I’ve learned:
Pan choice matters: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan. The larger surface area helps vegetables cook evenly and prevents overcrowding, which can make them steam instead of sauté. A 10-12 inch pan works perfectly for 4 eggs.
Control your egg texture: The key to creamy, not rubbery, eggs is low heat and removing the pan from heat when eggs are still slightly underdone. Overcooked Mish Mash becomes dry and loses its appeal.
Cheese amount: Traditionally, Bulgarians use a generous amount of cheese—don’t be shy! About 100-150g for 4-6 eggs is authentic. The salty, tangy cheese balances the sweetness of the vegetables beautifully.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Adding eggs to vegetables that are too hot (they’ll cook too fast and become rubbery)
- Using unripe tomatoes (they lack sweetness and moisture)
- Overcooking the final dish (it continues cooking after you remove it from heat)
- Skipping the oil (vegetables need fat to caramelize properly)
Mish Mash Variations
While traditional Mish Mash is perfect as-is, these variations offer fun ways to customize the dish.
Vegetarian Mish-Mash (Classic Style)
The classic recipe is already vegetarian! It’s a complete meal with protein from eggs and cheese, and vitamins from fresh vegetables. This dish is an excellent choice for those observing meat-free traditions or for accommodating guests with vegetarian diets.
Vegan Mish Mash Alternative
Replace eggs with crumbled firm tofu (about 400g) and skip the cheese, or use vegan feta. Add a pinch of turmeric for color and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Cook the tofu with the vegetables in the final step, breaking it into scrambled-egg-sized pieces.
Mish Mash With Sausage or Meat
Some Bulgarian families add sliced sausage (like lukanka or other cured meats) or crumbled cooked ground meat. Add these after cooking the peppers but before the tomatoes. This creates a heartier, more substantial meal perfect for brunch gatherings.
Oven-Baked Mish Mash
For a hands-off approach, cook the vegetables in an oven-safe skillet, add the eggs on top (slightly beaten), sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes until eggs are just set. This version is great for feeding a crowd.
What to Serve With Mish Mash
Mish-Mash is delicious on its own, but these accompaniments make it even better:
Bread types: Fresh crusty bread is essential for soaking up the flavorful juices. Bulgarians often serve it with thick slices of homemade white bread, but ciabatta, sourdough, or even pita work wonderfully. Some people butter their bread lightly—it’s pure comfort.
Side dishes:
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad (Shopska salad style)
- Thick Bulgarian yogurt (kiselo mlyako)
- Olives and fresh peppers
- A simple green salad with lemon dressing
Drinks that pair well: Hot Turkish coffee or Bulgarian coffee is traditional. For a full brunch experience, fresh orange juice or ayran (a savory yogurt drink) complement the richness of the eggs. On weekends, some Bulgarians enjoy a small glass of rakia (fruit brandy) alongside.
Is Mish Mash Healthy?
Good news: Mish Mash is genuinely nutritious!
Protein source: Each serving provides high-quality protein from eggs and cheese, making it satisfying and supporting muscle health. Four eggs plus cheese deliver approximately 25-30g of protein.
Calories: A typical serving of classic Mish-Mash contains roughly 250-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil and cheese used. It’s filling without being heavy, especially when you load up on vegetables.
Suitable diets:
- Vegetarian: Absolutely, in its traditional form
- Low carb/Keto: Yes! It’s naturally low in carbohydrates (under 15g per serving) and high in healthy fats
- Gluten-free: Completely gluten-free on its own (just watch what bread you serve it with)
- Mediterranean diet: Fits perfectly with its emphasis on vegetables, olive oil, and moderate dairy
The fresh vegetables provide vitamins C and A, lycopene from tomatoes, and fiber. Using olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Overall, it’s a balanced, wholesome meal.
Mish Mash vs Similar Dishes
If you’ve had Middle Eastern or Mediterranean egg dishes, you might notice similarities to Mish Mash. Here’s how they compare:
Mish-Mash vs Shakshuka
Shakshuka (from North Africa/Middle East) features eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce with peppers and onions. The key differences:
- Shakshuka keeps eggs whole and poached; Mish-Mash scrambles them
- Shakshuka uses cumin, paprika, and sometimes cayenne; Mish Mash is simpler with minimal spices
- Shakshuka has a saucier consistency; Mish Mash is drier and more integrated
Mish Mash vs Menemen
Menemen (Turkish) is probably the closest cousin. Both scramble eggs with peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The differences:
- Menemen rarely includes cheese; Mish-Mash always has it
- Menemen often uses paste or more concentrated tomato; Mish-Mash uses fresh tomatoes exclusively
- Seasonings differ slightly—menemen might include more black pepper and Turkish chili flakes
Key differences in ingredients and taste: Mish Mash stands out for its generous use of Bulgarian white cheese, which adds a tangy, salty dimension. The taste is cleaner and simpler, letting the summer vegetables shine. It’s less spicy and saucy than shakshuka, and the cheese makes it richer than menemen.
Traditional Bulgarian Mish Mash
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Dice the onion finely. Slice the peppers into thin strips or small chunks, removing seeds and membranes. Chop the tomatoes into medium pieces. If using garlic, mince it finely. Set everything aside.
- Cook the peppers and onion: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a wide, deep skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. Add the sliced peppers and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're tender and slightly caramelized. If using garlic, add it in the last minute of cooking the peppers.
- Add tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with the peppers and onions. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, creating a chunky sauce. The mixture should be slightly wet but not swimming in liquid. If there's too much liquid, let it cook a bit longer to evaporate.
- Add eggs and cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Crack the eggs directly into the pan over the vegetable mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir to scramble the eggs into the vegetables. Don't overmix—you want soft, creamy curds distributed throughout the vegetables, not a uniform scramble. When the eggs are about 80% cooked (still slightly wet and glossy), crumble the white cheese over the top. Stir gently once or twice to distribute the cheese.
- Final texture and serving: Remove from heat when the eggs are just set but still slightly creamy. They'll continue cooking from residual heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot, straight from the pan for authentic Bulgarian style, with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
FAQs About Mish Mash
What is an example of a mishmash?
In general English, “mishmash” refers to a confused mixture or jumble of different things—like “the room was a mishmash of different furniture styles.” However, the Bulgarian dish Mish Mash is a specific culinary creation with a defined recipe, not a random mixture.
What is Bulgarian mishmash?
Bulgarian Mish Mash (or Mishmash) is a traditional egg and vegetable dish made by scrambling eggs with sautéed peppers, tomatoes, onions, and topped with crumbled white cheese. It’s a beloved comfort food served for breakfast, lunch, or light dinner throughout Bulgaria.
What is a mish-mash drink?
While there isn’t a traditional drink called “mish mash,” the term sometimes refers to cocktails that mix multiple ingredients creatively. In Bulgarian cuisine specifically, Mish Mash refers only to the egg and vegetable dish, not a beverage.
What is mish mash?
Mish Mash is Bulgaria’s signature scrambled egg dish combining fresh summer vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, onions) cooked in oil, then mixed with scrambled eggs and topped with crumbled white cheese. It’s simple, affordable, delicious, and deeply rooted in Bulgarian home cooking traditions.
Why Mish Mash Is a Staple in Bulgarian Homes
Understanding why Bulgarians cherish this dish helps you appreciate it even more.
Cultural value: Mish Mash represents Bulgarian home cooking at its finest—unpretentious, seasonal, and shared. It’s not restaurant food; it’s what families make when they want something comforting and real. Every Bulgarian has childhood memories of Mish Mash on summer mornings.
Family cooking tradition: Grandmothers teach mothers, who teach daughters and sons. Each family has slight variations—some like more cheese, others prefer spicier peppers. Making Mish Mash connects Bulgarians to their heritage and family history. This is commonly a child’s first step into genuine cooking.
Simple and affordable ingredients: During communist times in Bulgaria, when resources were limited, Mish Mash provided nutrition without luxury ingredients. Families grew their own tomatoes, peppers, and raised chickens for eggs. Even today, when those same vegetables flood summer markets at low prices, Mish-Mash remains an economical choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
This dish embodies Bulgarian values: making the most of what you have, celebrating simple pleasures, and sharing good food with people you love.
Ready to Make Your Own Mish-Mash?
Now that you know everything about this Bulgarian treasure, it’s time to bring those flavors into your kitchen! Grab some ripe tomatoes, fresh peppers, and good eggs, and experience why generations of Bulgarians have loved this dish.
Try making Mish Mash this weekend and discover your new favorite breakfast. It’s forgiving, fast, and absolutely delicious. Once you taste that perfect combination of creamy eggs, sweet peppers, and tangy cheese, you’ll understand why it’s been a Bulgarian staple for so long.
Have you tried Mish-Mash before, or will this be your first time? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear how your version turns out! And if you’re feeling generous, share this recipe with friends who appreciate simple, satisfying comfort food.
Dobur apetit! (Bulgarian for “enjoy your meal!”)
