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Sour Cucumber Soup

Sour cucumber soup is popular in Eastern Europe, especially in Bulgaria. The recipe was likely introduced to America by immigrants from East This creamy cold soup features salty cucumbers in a tangy Greek yogurt base.    

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time
10 minutes
+ 1 hour 15 minutes resting
Cook Time
Total Time
1 hour 25 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 2–4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • ½ tsp salt, more to taste
  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ⅔ cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 seedless European cucumber
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Ice cubes, as needed for serving
  • Finely chopped walnuts, as needed for garnish (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, as needed for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped dill or mint, as needed for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Place the garlic in a mortar with ½ teaspoon salt. Mash to a paste.
  2. Place the yogurt in a large bowl, stir in the oil, garlic, and walnuts. Whisk in the water and lemon juice.
  3. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Chill for one hour or longer.
  4. Meanwhile, season the cucumbers lightly with salt, and allow to drain in a colander for 15 minutes.
  5. Add yogurt mixture and stir together.
  6. Place an ice cube in each bowl, and ladle in the soup.
  7. Top with chopped walnuts, olive oil, and dill or mint, if using.

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