Tarator - traditional Bulgarian cold cucumber soup

Ingredients for traditonal Bulgarian tarator
NOTE: Taking our simple but tasty recipe ethos to extremes you don't even have to cook this one! Tarator is a traditional Bulgarian staple enjoyed all year round by the locals but much more likely to be used as a summer time starter or light lunch here. A squeeze of lemon juice adds to the tang but is optional.

Ingredients

    Serves 2
    Half a cucumber
    200ml pot of Greek Yogurt or similar
    2 cloves garlic
    Handful of fresh dill, chopped finely
    25g finely chopped walnuts plus some to serve
    1-2 tbsp Olive oil
    Salt to taste

Method

    1. Peel and then finely chop or grate the cucumber
    2. Crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife and chop or press
    3. Chop the dill finely
    4. Place these ingredients in a bowl, add the salt and yoghurt, and combine
    5. Add the chopped walnuts and the olive oil and mix thoroughly
    6. Cover and let cool in the fridge for a couple of hours
    7. Leave as it is to serve as a dip or add some water to achieve soup consistency
    8. Add a squeeze of lemon if you fancy