Homemade Bulgarian Yogurt Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) Bulgarian yogurt 2 cups (470ml) Bulgarian yogurt
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup (235ml) cold water 1 cup (235ml) cold water
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the Bulgarian yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, and lemon zest.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water while stirring continuously to achieve a smooth consistency.
3. 3.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the chilled Bulgarian Yogurt Soup in bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bulgarian yogurt — Use thick and creamy Bulgarian yogurt for the best results. If unavailable, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
• Cucumber — Make sure to remove the seeds before grating to avoid excess moisture in the soup.
• Dill — Fresh dill adds a vibrant flavor to the soup. If fresh dill is not available, you can use dried dill, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, strain the grated cucumber before adding it to the soup.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
• Serve the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
• Experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley to customize the flavor profile.
• To make it a heartier meal, add some cooked chickpeas or boiled potatoes to the soup.

Serving advice

Serve the Bulgarian Yogurt Soup chilled in individual bowls. For an extra touch, garnish each serving with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a lemon wedge on the side. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or traditional Bulgarian banitsa for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Bulgarian Yogurt Soup in elegant bowls, showcasing its vibrant green color. You can also serve it in small shot glasses as an appetizer for a dinner party. Add a pop of color by placing a fresh dill sprig on top of each serving.