Tarator – Bulgarian Cold Soup
Summer, light, refreshing, and quick! Tarator is a traditional Bulgarian cold soup. Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to stand by the stove. Refreshing and satisfying, made from simple ingredients.
Updated : 05 September, 2025
Easy
About 30 min.
Ingredients
300 grams
Cucumber
250 milliliters
Yogurt
20 grams
Dill
30 grams
Walnut
2
Garlic
200 milliliters
Water
1 tablespoon
Olive oil
to taste
Salt
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
The soup base is made of fermented dairy products. Classic tarator is prepared with Bulgarian unsweetened yogurt. You can also use kefir or buttermilk of any thickness. Use mineral water (still) or purified bottled water.
Step 2
First, wash the cucumber and pat it dry with a paper towel. If the skin is thick or tough, peel it. I peeled only part to make the cucumbers in the soup look brighter. Remove large seeds. Grate the cucumber coarsely. Optionally, cut it into thin sticks. Salt and leave for 5-7 minutes to release juice.
Step 3
Rinse dill sprigs under running water and pat dry. Remove thick stems, and finely chop the delicate leaves. You can also use any herbs you like. Parsley, cilantro, or celery will add a fragrant aroma to the soup.
Step 4
Rinse walnut kernels and toast them in a dry pan. This enhances their aroma and taste.
Step 5
Grate garlic on a fine grater, chop by hand, or use a garlic press. Add more garlic for a spicier soup.
Step 6
Crush the nuts using your preferred method: blender, rolling pin, mortar and pestle, or knife. I used a rolling pin.
Step 7
In a deep bowl or small pot, combine the grated cucumber with its juice, garlic, nuts, and dill. Mix well. Reserve a little dill and nuts for garnish.
Step 8
Pour yogurt or kefir and vegetable oil into the bowl. Use any vegetable oil to your taste: mustard, sunflower, pumpkin, or flaxseed oil are great. Unrefined oil is more aromatic.
Step 9
Dilute the soup with water. Add small portions until the desired consistency is achieved. Mix thoroughly. Taste and add salt, pepper, or favorite spices as needed.
Step 10
Bulgarian cold soup Tarator is ready! Serve in deep bowls. Sprinkle with dill and walnuts on top. Enjoy!