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  • Tarator – Bulgarian Cold Cucumber Soup

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    This cold soup is the perfect way to cool down this summer! Tarator is a Bulgarian cold cucumber soup that’s super quick and easy to make and so refreshing.

    tarator - Bulgarian cold cucumber yogurt soup in a white bowl

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    Have you tried tarator before? If you are a fan of chilled soups like gazpacho, you are going to adore this Bulgarian cucumber soup recipe! It’s made with only a handful of main ingredients and is ready in minutes.

    If you love cucumbers too, be sure to check out my Cucumber Salad Recipe and Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites.

    What is Tarator Soup

    Tarator is a refreshing cold soup made with cucumbers, yogurt, walnuts, and herbs, it only takes about 10 minutes to make this no-cook soup recipe and it’s a delicious way to enjoy your cucumbers!

    The star of this soup is yogurt. Everyone knows how good yogurt is for your gut and overall health. But do you know about its origin? The secret lies in a small bacteria known by different names that causes the milk fermentation and gives the yogurt its unique taste. The bacteria is called Lactobacillus Bulgaricus named after the original bacteria found in Bulgarian yogurt. Bulgaria is known worldwide for the discovery of the yogurt bacteria which allowed Bulgarian yogurt to be manufactured worldwide.

    chilled cucumber yogurt soup with dill and walnuts in a clay bowl

    Tarator Ingredients

    • Cucumber: Use English cucumbers for this recipe. Simply cut them into small dice.
    • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a real punch of flavor.
    • Dill: Fresh dill works so well with cucumber and adds a wonderful herby flavor that is ever so slightly bitter.
    • Oil: Use olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. optional but it adds a nice flavor.
    • Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
    • Yogurt: Yogurt is the star of this cold soup and makes it really rich and creamy
    • Water: To dilute the yogurt
    • Walnuts: For garnish. They add a great crunchy texture.
    tarator ingredients on a gray board

    How to make tarator

    1. In a large bowl combine diced cucumber, garlic, dill, oil, salt, and black pepper.
    2. Stir in yogurt and mix everything.
    3. Add cold water and mix well, making sure the soup is lump-free and creamy. Taste and add more salt if needed.
    4. Top with chopped walnuts and more fresh dill for garnish.
    how to make tarator

    Do you have to peel the cucumber?

    You can make this cold cucumber soup either with peeled or unpeeled cucumber. The skin does contain fiber and it will add texture and color to the soup. If you prefer it peeled, that’s fine too!

    Can you make tarator ahead of time?

    This tarator soup is best made at least 30 minutes before you plan to serve it so that it can cool in the fridge. You can make the cucumber yogurt soup a day ahead of time and keep it covered, and give it a good stir before serving.

    close up shot of tarator and spoon

    How do you serve tarator?

    Tarator is usually served as a starter soup, but I also like to enjoy it as a light lunch. This easy vegetable soup perfect by itself, but you can also serve it with some crusty bread if you like.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Dice the cumbers into small squares so that they are easier to eat.
    • I prefer to use diced cucumbers rather than grated cucumbers because they give the soup a better texture and add a nice crunch.
    • Mince the garlic as finely as possible so that it mixes in well with the other ingredients.
    • I prefer to use a full-fat yogurt as it is much more nutritious and healthy, but you can use a reduced-fat one if you prefer.
    tarator in two clay bowls with spoons on table and towel

    More Easy Soup Recipes

    tarator - Bulgarian cold cucumber yogurt soup in a white bowl
    5 from 7 votes
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    Tarator (Bulgarian Cold Cucumber Soup)

    This cold soup is the perfect way to cool down this summer! Tarator is a Bulgarian cold cucumber soup that's super quick and easy to make and so refreshing.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 205kcal

    Email Me This Recipe

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    INGREDIENTS

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • In a large bowl combine diced cucumber, garlic, dill, oil, salt and black pepper.
    • Stir in yogurt and mix everything.
    • Add cold water and mix well, making sure the soup is lump-free and creamy. Taste and add more salt if needed.
    • Top with chopped walnuts and more fresh dill for garnish.
    • Serve immediately or refridgerate for 30 minutes before serving.

    TIPS & NOTES

    • Dice the cumbers into small squares so that they are easier to eat.
    • I prefer to use diced cucumbers rather than grated cucumbers because they give the soup a better texture and add a nice crunch.
    • Mince the garlic as finely as possible so that it mixes in well with the other ingredients.
    • I prefer to use a full-fat yogurt as it is much nutritious and healthy, but you can use a reduced-fat one if you prefer.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 646mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 252IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Soup
    Cuisine Bulgarian
    Keyword Bulgarian soup, cold cucumber soup, tarator recipe
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    Comments

    bonjur dabi

    hello neli can you please make a recipe for pulnenu chushki. I have homework to write a recipe about a traditional bulgarian dish and my friend had already used the tarator recipe. I can’t wait thanks.

      bonjur dabi

      5 stars
      sorry I forgot to put 5 star rating

    batman

    5 stars
    hello neli the tarator is not made in tigan. az a Bulgarian i have never make tarator in tigan. we usually make tarator in tenjara. we like to put apples in it. neli don’t use hladilnik u have ice kub4e and u can put it in the soup if it is too hot for u.

      Hi, I am a Bulgarian as well 🙂 and I grew up in Bulgaria. I am not using a tigan (skillet) or tenjara (pot) to make tarator but a bowl. Actually tarator can be made in any kind of dish you have available that is large enough for the soup. I prefer not to add ice cubes to the tarator soup since it dilutes the soup, makes it more watery and messes up the consistency. It’s best the soup to be chilled in the refrigerator.

    Sisley White

    5 stars
    Bring on the summer wreath and the oppertunity to make this!

    Sara Welch

    5 stars
    What a unique and unexpected recipe! Love how cool and refreshing this was; easily, a new favorite recipe!

    Marie-Charlotte Chatelain

    5 stars
    I have never heard of this soup but it sounds absolutely fantastic with the cucumbers and creamy yogurt! Perfect for spring alongside salmon bruschetta!

    Michelle Boule

    5 stars
    Now that the weather is warming up this will be a delicious recipe! I can’t wait to try it once it gets really hot this summer

    Shalini R

    5 stars
    I love cold soups and this seems really easy to make. Thanks for the step by step instructions with pictures.

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