BULGARIAN CUCUMBER SOUP WITH WALNUTS

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Bulgarian Cucumber Soup With Walnuts image

Walnuts are used in sweet and savory dishes throughout the Mediterranean. Along the Italian Riviera, a rich ricotta and walnut sauce traditionally is served with ravioli filled with greens. In Turkey, a thick, garlicky walnut sauce called tarator is served with cooked vegetables, much as aïoli is in the South of France. In France, walnuts are added to salads, breads and many desserts, and they are eaten fresh as well as dried - a great delicacy in the fall, just after the harvest. I've never encountered creamy, fresh walnuts in American farmers' markets, but if you know a walnut farmer, perhaps you could request some the next time they're harvested. Before the weather becomes too chilly for cold soups, try this one. Bulgaria once was well known for the number of centenarians in its population, which some scientists attributed to the daily consumption of Bulgarian yogurt. Now, both the yogurt and eating culture in this mountainous country have changed for the worse, and so have local lifespans.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield Serves four

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 to 4 garlic cloves to taste, peeled, green shoots removed
Salt to taste
2 cups thick plain yogurt (Greek style, or drained)
2 tablespoons walnut or olive oil, or 1 tablespoon each
2/3 cup (2 ounces) shelled walnuts, finely chopped
1 European cucumber, about 10 inches long, or 3 Persian cucumbers, cut in very small dice
1/2 cup ice-cold water, preferably spring water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper
Ice cubes (optional)
Finely chopped walnuts
Extra virgin olive oil
Finely chopped fresh dill or mint

Steps:

  • Place the garlic in a mortar with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and mash to a paste.
  • Place the yogurt in a large bowl. Stir in the oil, garlic and walnuts. Whisk in the water and the lemon juice. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Chill for one hour or longer.
  • Meanwhile, season the cucumbers lightly with salt, and allow to drain in a colander for 15 minutes. Add to the yogurt mixture and stir together.
  • If you wish, place an ice cube in each bowl, and ladle in the soup. Top with chopped walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil if desired, and a sprinkling of dill or mint.

Sthabile Mkhize
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This soup is a solid three stars. It's not the best soup I've ever had, but it's definitely worth trying.


Vminkok
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I'm giving this recipe two stars because it was easy to make, but the flavor was just okay.


Shajhan Kovir
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I followed the recipe exactly, but my soup didn't turn out as well as I expected. I'm not sure what I did wrong.


Rasheed Bhai
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The soup was a bit too thick for my liking. I think I would add more liquid next time.


Munawwar Hussain
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I found this soup to be a bit bland. I think it could use more seasoning.


EfeTobore
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This soup is a bit too sour for my taste.


Jackie Twino
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I'm definitely going to be making this soup again. It's a new favorite!


Greg Keen
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This soup is so versatile. You can serve it hot or cold, and you can add different toppings, like croutons or crumbled feta cheese.


Rashad Mahmood
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I made this soup ahead of time and chilled it overnight. It was even better the next day.


Yoga Master
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I added some chopped dill to this soup, and it was delicious. You can also add other herbs, like mint or parsley.


Safi Baloch
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This soup is a great way to use up leftover cucumbers.


Brandon Twitor
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I'm not a big fan of cucumbers, but I really enjoyed this soup. The yogurt and walnuts balance out the cucumber flavor perfectly.


Hot Cheetus
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This soup is so refreshing and healthy. It's the perfect meal for a light lunch or dinner.


Jamal Fareed
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I love the crunch of the walnuts in this soup. It adds a nice textural contrast.


MD Rocky Hossain
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This soup is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.


Shabnaz Mim
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I made this soup for a potluck, and it was a hit! Everyone loved it.


Asbin Pokharel
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This soup is so easy to make, and it's so delicious. I love that I can use fresh ingredients from my garden.


Zakwan Press
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I've never had Bulgarian cucumber soup before, but I'm so glad I tried this recipe. It's delicious! The flavors are so well-balanced.


Zipporah samuel
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This soup is so refreshing and flavorful! I love the combination of cucumbers, walnuts, and yogurt. It's the perfect summer soup.