Snezhankabulgarian Cucumbers In Yogurt Recipes

MAST-O KHIAR (PERSIAN CUCUMBER AND HERB YOGURT)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, submerge the raisins in boiling water to plump for 10 minutes, then drain well.
• Remove alternating stripes of peel on cucumbers and trim ends. Dice cucumbers into 1/4-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with raisins, yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and, if using, half the rose petals. Using your fingers to break up any large pieces, gently grind the dried mint and dried dill into the bowl. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
• Just before serving, stir in the walnuts and transfer to serving bowl. Garnish with remaining rose petals, if using. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

SPICY CUCUMBERS WITH YOGURT, LEMON AND HERBS

Steps:

• Toss the cucumber pieces with 1 teaspoon salt and set in a colander in the sink to drain.
• In a small pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the coriander and cumin, and toast until fragrant, stirring to avoid scorching, about 1 minute. Remove oil from heat, add red-pepper flakes and allow to cool.
• In a medium bowl, toss the salted cucumber pieces with the scallions, spiced oil and apple cider vinegar. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or overnight while you prepare the yogurt.
• In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, half of the herbs (mint, dill and parsley), zest and juice of the lemon and the olive oil. Stir to incorporate, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spread the yogurt mixture on a plate or the bottom of a shallow bowl. Using a slotted spoon to drain the cucumbers and scallions of excess liquid, evenly place the cucumbers and scallions on top of the yogurt. Finish with the remaining chopped herbs and pine nuts (if using), and serve immediately.

BULGARIAN CUCUMBER SOUP WITH WALNUTS

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.

CUCUMBERS IN YOGURT

Steps:

• If using a regular supermarket brand of yogurt (not Greek), drain in a paper-towel-lined sieve set over a bowl 1 hour. Discard liquid.
• While yogurt drains, cut cucumber into 1/2-inch cubes. Transfer to another sieve set over a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, then drain 1 hour. Rinse cucumber and pat dry.
• Mince and mash garlic to a paste with remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt using a large heavy knife. Stir together yogurt, cucumbers, garlic paste, and salt to taste in a bowl.

CUCUMBERS WITH YOGURT

Steps:

• If cucumber is waxed, peel it. Kirby or pickling cucumbers do not require peeling since they are not waxed.
• Slice cucumbers thinly.
• Combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Stir in cucumbers and serve.

SNEZHANKA(BULGARIAN CUCUMBERS IN YOGURT)

Steps:

• Squeeze the chopped cucumber by hand to get rid of most of the water, then place in a bowl together with the salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil and dill.
• Set aside for 10 minutes.
• Add the yogurt to the cucumber mixture, mix well and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
• Can be served as a starter, dip or side dish.