The mixture then needs to be stirred until it turns thick. It is similar to making a tomato sauce in the United States, but it is thicker and with a unique flavor.
Bulgarian food changes based on the region it is prepared in. This is because the dishes are made based on what fresh, local ingredients are available. Lutenitsa is a great example of this! This spread is enjoyed year-round, but it is most often produced during the fall because it is the time of harvest. Autumn means fresh vegetables, which make the most tasty batches of lutenitsa.
Lutenitsa is also connected to the local environment in terms of its production. Making lutenitsa is time-consuming, and often, families will come together to make it. During the local growing season, families prepare and make the spread, and then preserve it in jars for later use. Preserving vegetables is when food is cooked and then sealed in jars. This process is common in Bulgaria. Lutenitsa is one of the most popular spreads in Bulgaria, so making large batches is useful because then it can be enjoyed all throughout the year.
