Bulgarian Tarator (Cold Cucumber Soup)

Creamy cold cucumber soup with fresh dill sprigs and cucumber slices on top and a hand holding a spoon.

No ratings yet

Bulgarian Tarator (Cold Cucumber Soup)

Tarator is a cold Bulgarian cucumber soup made with yogurt, garlic, fresh dill, and walnuts! This chilled soup is light, tangy, and perfect for hot summer days. Best of all? It’s ready in just 10 minutes, and no cooking is required.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Balkans, Bulgarian, Mediterranean

Diet: Gluten Free, , Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Ruth Grindeland

Equipment

1 blender
1 sharp knive
1 cutting board

Ingredients

2 cups plain yogurt, Greek, Bulgarian-style, or vegan
2 cups cold water
2 Persian cucumbers or one large English cucumber
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
¼ cup chopped walnuts, optional, but traditional
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, add a fresh squeeze to each bowl
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep the Cucumbers: Rough-chop 1 large English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers. If using a standard cucumber, peel it, scoop out the seeds, and then chop.
Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender: 2 cups yogurt, 2 cups cold water, 2 chopped garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons dill, ¼ cup walnuts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and pourable. Adjust flavor with more salt, water, or lemon if needed.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop. Serve chilled in bowls. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon, a swirl of olive oil, extra dill, chopped walnuts, or cucumber pieces.

Notes

How to Store - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the soup has separated, give it a good stir. If you use vegan yogurt, you may need to blend to reincorporate the ingredients.

Yogurt Tips - I recommend using plain unsweetened yogurt or vegan yogurt. If you use Greek yogurt, it will make the soup slightly thicker, so add more water to get the right consistency.

Nutrition