Tarator - Bulgarian Cold Cucumber Soup

This cold soup is among Bulgarians favorite foods for the summer. It is served as a first course instead of a salad or between meals as refreshment. You might even see it served in a glass. Most men here say it goes great with a glass of cold rakiya (Bulgarian grape or fruit brandy) or Ouzo.


Ingridients:

• 2 cucumbers (about 500 g 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
• water (optional) 
  

 Directions:

Cut the cucumbers into cubes and put them in a bowl. You may aslo grate them but it changes the look and the consistency.
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 some 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 or add ice cubes.
Serve cold.