Best 2 Bulgarian Tarator Cold Cucumber Soup Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, there's a hidden gem waiting to tantalize your taste buds - Bulgarian Tarator, a refreshing cold cucumber soup that epitomizes the essence of summer. Originating from the heart of Bulgaria, this chilled yogurt-based soup has captivated hearts with its simplicity, affordability, and incredibly revitalizing effects.

This delectable soup embodies the perfect balance of flavors, where the coolness of cucumbers harmonizes with the tanginess of yogurt and the subtle hint of garlic. But the culinary journey doesn't end there. Discover variations of this beloved soup, each adding a unique twist to the classic recipe. Explore the delightful combination of walnuts and garlic in the Walnut Tarator, or embark on a zesty adventure with the Spicy Tarator, featuring fiery peppers and aromatic herbs.

Whether you prefer the classic Tarator or crave a more adventurous culinary experience, this article serves as your ultimate guide to mastering this refreshing soup. Immerse yourself in the detailed recipes, where each step is meticulously explained, ensuring your every spoonful is bursting with flavor. Join us on this culinary expedition as we delve into the art of creating this Bulgarian treasure, Tarator, and its enticing variations.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BULGARIAN TARATOR - COLD CUCUMBER SOUP

Bulgarian Tarator - Cold Cucumber Soup image

This is an extremely popular summertime dish in Bulgaria. It serves as a replacement for salad or appetizers. It tastes similar to tzatziki, so it's a very bright-flavored, cooling, and refreshing dish!

Provided by muka3D

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cucumbers, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 (16 ounce) container plain yogurt
¼ cup minced fresh dill
4 cloves garlic, pressed
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt to taste
1 tablespoon water, or as needed
10 ice cubes, or as needed

Steps:

Place cucumbers in a large bowl. Whisk yogurt in a separate bowl using a fork until yogurt is smooth and liquefied; pour over cucumbers. Add dill, garlic, oil, and salt to cucumber mixture; toss to coat. Stir in enough water to reach desired consistency. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
Ladle soup into serving bowls; add about 2 ice cubes to each bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 90.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.2 g, Cholesterol 5.4 mg, Fat 3.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 67.8 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

TARATOR: BULGARIAN COLD CUCUMBER SOUP

Tarator: Bulgarian Cold Cucumber Soup image

Another delight of summer: Cucumbers! Adapted from my weathered copy of Joy of Cooking. If using organic cucumbers there is no need to peel unless preferred. Store bought conventional cucumbers usually have a wax coating which warrants peeling. Note: I always use full fat dairy products. I cannot guarantee good results with...

Provided by C G

Categories Vegetable Soup

Time 6h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 1/2 c cucumber, seeded and pared ( i pared the cucumbers in a stripe fashion retaining some of the peel)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4-1/2 c raw walnuts
2 Tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil + more for drizzling
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped + more for garnish
1 1/2 c plain greek yogurt or equal parts plain yogurt and sour cream
vegetable broth or milk, to thin (if needed)

Steps:

1. Place all ingredients (except for milk/broth) in a blender or food processor and BLEND until smooth. If desired, use the PULSE setting. If the mixture seems to thick, thin with a little bit of vegetable stock or whole milk a few tablespoons at a time and to desired consistency.
2. Store in a glass container and cover. Refrigerate at least 3 hours but better 6 hours or overnight.
3. To SERVE: place an ice cube in each soup bowl or mug. Pour the soup into the bowl and garnish with a little bit of fresh dill and a light drizzle of olive oil.

Tips:

Use fresh, crisp cucumbers for the best flavor. Peeling the cucumbers is optional, but it will give the soup a smoother texture.
To make the soup even more refreshing, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or mint, for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Conclusion:

Bulgarian tarator is a refreshing and flavorful cold cucumber soup that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it creamy or thin, tangy or mild, this soup is sure to please. So next time you are looking for a light and healthy meal, give Bulgarian tarator a try. You won't be disappointed!