Summer Fun Recipes Submitted by Ronesa Aveela During these hot summer days, many people eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer heavy meals. Bulgarian cuisine is not any different. Some of my favorites summer dishes are made with yogurt. Did you know Bulgarians created yogurt? Truly, they did. Way back in the time of the Thracians. I kid you not. You can find more than three hundred varieties in the country, and many popular dishes are made with yogurt. The good bacteria in the yogurt is called Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Yogurt is a favorite ingredient in summer drinks, cold soups, salads, desserts, and main dishes. Another main ingredient in almost all of them is garlic. Here are some of my favorites.
Airan (Айран) – a refreshing drink
Mix yogurt into a glass of water. Add a little salt and stir well to obtain a consistent mixture. I add one or two ice cubes. It refreshes, saturates, and hydrates.
Snow White Salad – (Snejanka) a delicious milk salad
During the summer or even in the winter, my kids like this salad. I use the same products that are described for Tarator, but I don’t add water. If you have time, you can let the yogurt drain to make it thicker. Mix all products and serve cold like a salad. Add some pita bread and you have a dinner or lunch. It can be used as a side dish for BBQ meat or gyros.
Tarator (Таратор) – cold cucumber soup This will help you cool down in the hot summer.
Ingredients: cucumbers – 1 larger European or 2 medium sized • •
yogurt – 32 oz (2 lb)
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walnuts – 1 handful crushed (optional)
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garlic – 2 to 3 cloves or to taste
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water – 2-3 cups
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fresh dill – to taste
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olive oil or regular – 3 to 4 tbsp.
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salt to taste
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Black pepper – freshly ground to taste
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White pepper — 3 pinches
Peel the cucumbers, leaving only thin slices of the dark green part, which will give a more pleasant look to the tarator. Grate it or cut it into small cubes. I prefer to grate, because it tastes better. Beat 2 cups of yogurt well and pour them into a saucepan. Add enough cold water to get the tarator to the density you want. Add cucumbers, as well as grated or finely chopped garlic, some crushed walnuts, finely chopped dill, black and white pepper to taste. Finally, mix with olive oil / other oil and salt to taste. Put in the refrigerator to chill. If you don’t have time, put an ice cube in each bowl. I like to serve in bowls and garnish with crushed walnuts and a sprig of dill and serve. - 19 -
