Friday, March 29, 2024

Tarator

Tarator is a delightfully refreshing Bulgarian cold soup, perfect for hot summer days, featuring a blend of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and optional walnuts for a light and flavorsome appetizer or meal.

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Tarator is a traditional Bulgarian cold soup, particularly during hot summer. This refreshing dish is made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts and is served chilled. Tarator is delicious but also light and healthy, making it an ideal appetizer or light meal.

Preparation time: Approximately 15 minutes, plus chilling time

Ingredients (for four people)

  • 500g plain yogurt (preferably Bulgarian or Greek-style)
  • 2 medium-sized cucumbers (approximately 300g)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 50g walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
  • 500ml cold water
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful of ice cubes (optional)

Method to prepare

  1. Whisk together the yogurt and cold water in a large bowl until smooth. The consistency should be thinner than yogurt but thicker than milk. Adjust with more water if needed.
  2. Wash and dry the cucumbers, then peel them if desired. Grate the cucumbers coarsely and add them to the yogurt mixture.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chopped dill, and finely chopped walnuts (if using) to the bowl.
  4. Stir in the sunflower oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Mix the ingredients well, then cover the bowl and chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until it is thoroughly cold.
  6. Before serving, stir the soup well, and add a few ice cubes if desired for extra refreshment. Serve in individual bowls or glasses.

Tips and Tricks

  • If you are abroad, try to use thick, strained yogurt like Bulgarian or Greek for the best consistency.
  • Adjust the thickness of the milk to your liking by adding more or less water.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, blend the cucumbers in a blender or food processor before adding them to the yogurt mixture.
  • Experiment with other herbs like mint or parsley if you’d like to vary the flavors.

Storage Suggestions

Tarator is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The soup may separate slightly during storage, but a quick stir should restore consistency. Due to its high dairy content, Tarator is not recommended for freezing.

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