Snow white Salata / Trakiiska salad

Bulgaria has a very ancient and proud cuisine . Bulgarian food is very healthy and uses a lot of fresh vegetables, dairy and herbs in the food.The recipe that I am sharing with you all is "Snow white salata/salad" or Trakiiska salad. This salad gets its name  because of its beautiful white color . Traditionally , this salad is mainly made  up of  hung curd , pickles, garlic and dill leaves . Serve it as a dip with chips or vegetables or simply as a side dish with a spicy curry.

I have a very good friend who hails from Bulgaria. She is an awesome cook too. In a recent party at her place , she served this delicious dip. It was so good that I asked her if I could take the leftovers home;) The next day, I finished the remaining dip and believe me, I was licking the bowl;) So, I message her ..got the recipe and made it right away. I was addicted to the taste of this creamy dip.

I have used Salad baby dill pickles. They are tender yet add a delicious crunch to the dip. You may ask what are these dill pickles. These are nothing but tender cucumber / gherkins  that has been brined in brine or vinegar and flavored with spices like dill. They are very good addition to salad, dip, sandwiches or burgers.

INGREDIENTS:
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml

• Sour cream  : 1.5 cup
• Salad Baby dill pickles   : 3/4 cup (chopped)
• EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) : 1 tbsp
• Garlic : 1 big or 3 to 4 small  (finely  chopped or grated)
• Fresh dill leaves (chopped) : 2 tbsp
• Salt and pepper to taste.

PROCEDURE:

• Mix together the sour cream, greek yogurt, chopped baby dill pickles,chopped, chopped dill leaves and garlic. Mix. Add in the olive oil, salt and pepper. 

• Refrigerate for atleast 2-3 hours for the flavors to blend in. Serve chilled with chips or warm pita or as a side with a spicy meal.

NOTE:

• Instead of using whole of sour cream, you can use a combination of sour cream and greek yogurt (1 cup : sour cream and 1/2 cup = greek yogurt)
• You can also use Labne in place of the sour cream
• Add some chopped walnuts. Its gives a delicious nutty bite to the dip.