Refreshing Bulgarian Tarator Soup
Tarator is a beloved traditional Bulgarian cold soup, perfect for hot summer days. Combining crisp cucumbers, creamy yogurt, and fragrant herbs, this chilled dish serves as a delightful appetizer or a refreshing snack. Often enjoyed between meals, it can also be elegantly served in a glass, making it a versatile option for entertaining. Pair it with chilled rakiya or ouzo for an authentic Bulgarian experience. This soup not only tantalizes the taste buds but also boasts cooling properties to help you beat the heat.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
500 g (1 lb) (Diced or grated)
Plain Yogurt
500 g (1 lb) (Whisked until smooth)
Garlic
3-4 cloves (Minced)
Crushed Walnuts
2-3 tablespoons (Optional, finely crushed)
Fresh Dill
1 bunch (Minced)
Olive Oil
to taste (Drizzled)
Salt
to taste (Season to preference)
Water
optional (To adjust consistency)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cucumbers. You can either dice them into small cubes or grate them, depending on your preferred texture.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the plain yogurt until it becomes smooth and pourable. Pour this over the prepared cucumbers.
3
Add the minced garlic, crushed walnuts if using, and finely chopped dill to the bowl. Season with salt and drizzled olive oil to your taste.
4
Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
5
If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add water, mixing until you reach the desired thickness. Be cautious not to make it too watery.
6
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or serve immediately with ice cubes.
7
Serve the Tarator cold, garnished with additional dill or walnuts if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bulgarian Tarator?
Tarator is a traditional Bulgarian cold soup made with cucumbers, yogurt, and herbs, known for its refreshing and cooling properties during summer.
What are the main ingredients in this Tarator recipe?
The primary ingredients are cucumbers, plain yogurt, garlic, fresh dill, olive oil, and salt, with optional walnuts and water.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
How should the cucumbers be prepared for the soup?
Cucumbers can be either diced into small cubes or grated, depending on your personal texture preference.
What type of yogurt is used in Tarator?
The recipe calls for 500g of plain yogurt, which should be whisked until smooth and pourable.
Is garlic necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 3-4 minced cloves of garlic are included to provide the traditional savory flavor profile.
Are walnuts required in Bulgarian Tarator?
Walnuts are optional, but the recipe suggests 2-3 tablespoons of finely crushed walnuts for added texture and flavor.
What herb is traditionally used in Tarator?
Fresh dill is the traditional herb used; this recipe recommends one minced bunch.
How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?
You can gradually add water to the mixture until you reach your desired thickness, being careful not to make it too watery.
How long should I chill the soup before serving?
It is recommended to cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Can I serve Tarator immediately if I don't have time to chill it?
Yes, you can serve it immediately by adding ice cubes to the bowl to ensure it is cold.
What can I garnish the soup with?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional fresh dill or extra crushed walnuts.
What kind of oil should be used?
The recipe specifies drizzling olive oil to taste into the mixture.
Is Tarator served as an appetizer or a snack?
It is versatile and can be served as a delightful appetizer, a refreshing snack, or even a drink in a glass.
What drinks pair well with Bulgarian Tarator?
For an authentic Bulgarian experience, pair it with chilled rakiya or ouzo.
What is the total weight of cucumbers needed?
The recipe requires 500 grams, which is approximately 1 pound of cucumbers.
How much yogurt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 500 grams (1 lb) of plain yogurt.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
While fresh dill is recommended for the best fragrance, dried dill can be used if fresh is unavailable.
Is salt added to the recipe?
Yes, salt is added and should be seasoned according to your personal preference.
What is the first step in making Tarator?
The first step is preparing the cucumbers by either dicing them into small cubes or grating them.
Should the yogurt be poured over the cucumbers?
Yes, after whisking the yogurt until smooth, you pour it directly over the prepared cucumbers.
Is Tarator suitable for hot weather?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a perfect dish for hot summer days due to its cooling properties.
Can Tarator be served in a glass?
Yes, for a more elegant or casual presentation, it can be served in a glass.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
No, it is a simple recipe with an ingredient count of 8 items.
Is the garlic crushed or minced?
The recipe specifically calls for the garlic cloves to be minced.
What should I do after adding all ingredients to the bowl?
You should stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Can I eat Tarator between meals?
Yes, in Bulgaria it is often enjoyed as a refreshing snack between regular meals.
Is Tarator a creamy soup?
Yes, the whisked plain yogurt gives it a creamy and smooth consistency.
How is the walnut preparation described?
The walnuts should be finely crushed before being added to the soup.
Does Tarator have any specific taste characteristics?
It is described as refreshing, with crisp cucumbers, creamy yogurt, and fragrant herbs like dill.