Book of Days Tales

The de jure independence of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire was proclaimed on 5 October [O.S. 22 September] 1908 in the old capital of Tarnovo by prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who afterwards took the title “Tsar.”  Independence Day in Bulgaria is now 22 September in the Gregorian calendar.

Tarator is a cold cucumber soup from Bulgaria.

Ingredients

2 cucumbers (about 500 gm or 1 lb)

500 g plain yogurt (1 lb)

3 -4 garlic cloves

 2 -3 tablespoons of crushed walnuts (optional)

1 bunch fresh dill

 oil

salt

Instructions   

Cut the cucumbers into small dice and put them in a bowl. You may also grate them but it changes the look and the consistency of the soup.

Beat the yogurt with a fork until it gets liquid and pour it over the cucumbers.

Add the crushed garlic, the walnuts, and the minced dill, as well as salt and oil to taste. If needed add a small amount of water to make the soup as liquid as you like but take care not to make it too thin.

Put into the refrigerator to cool.

Serve cold.