Appetizer > Salad > Turkish Salads

Cucumber and Walnut Tarator Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the walnuts until finely chopped.
2. Add the chopped cucumbers, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the food processor or blender.
3. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer the tarator to a serving bowl and stir in the chopped parsley.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Refrigerate before serving
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use almonds or pistachios.
- If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream.
- You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice.

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a milder flavor.
- Add 1/4 tsp of cumin for a Middle Eastern flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to peel the cucumbers to avoid a bitter taste.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Storage instructions:
- Store the tarator in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Tarator is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat it.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tarator in a shallow bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts and parsley.

Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts, parsley, or mint leaves.

Pairings:
- Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tarator is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- If the tarator is too runny, add more walnuts or Greek yogurt.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all the ingredients before starting.
- Store the tarator in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 3 days.

Food history:
- Tarator is a traditional Middle Eastern dip made with ground nuts, bread, and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, nutty, tangy, and garlicky.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Creamy, Nutty, Tangy, Herby, Refreshing