Elenski But

Hailing from Bulgaria, Elenski But is a much-loved cured ham. It is prepared with pork and bacon.

Elenski but is a traditional Bulgarian air-dried ham, originating from the town of Elena in the central Balkans. Its production method—rubbing the meat with salt and spices, then air-drying it for months—has been passed down through generations, and it is often served as a prized appetizer during holidays and celebrations.

While the basic technique is consistent, regional variations exist in the choice of spices, such as adding savory or paprika, and the duration of aging. The ham holds a strong cultural place in Bulgarian gastronomy, symbolizing hospitality and craftsmanship, though the exact historical timeline of its development is not precisely documented.