Persian Yogurt with Cucumber (Mast-o Khiar)

You will find yogurt with cucumbers in almost every middle-eastern culture. This version is Persian, Maast-o Khiar, made with dill and mint.

Yes, this is not a back-to-school post! I realized that with all of this focus on kids, it’s time to talk about something else. You know, it’s a mommy-syndrome to rattle on and on about our kids. Here in San Diego, the weather has turned HOT again. And that means this momma does not want to to cook and heat up the kitchen. One of our family’s favorite condiment with our Persian dinner is often confused with it’s Greek counterpart. Mast-o Khiar, which translates to be yogurt with cucumber is my go-to appetizer, condiment and side dish.

Persian yogurt is very different from Greek and the mass marketed Dannon/Yoplait you find in the supermarket. Recently in one my foodie facebook groups, there was a great discussion about the virtues of yogurt and our personal favorites.

I am not dismissing Greek yogurt. It is thick and full of so many good things for you: probiotics, calcium, protein…. But, it is rather bland. This is a virtue when you are adding your own flavorings like fruit, honey or granola. I love my Greek yogurt for breakfast.

But not for my mast-o khiar.

Persian yogurt has a bit of sourness to it. This is because when you are making yogurt, you are letting it sour for up to 18 hours! Here’s a video on how to make your own yogurt (detailed instructions here):

During the newlywed years, the hubby and I had great… discussions about how to make this simple dish, masst-o khiar. It’s yogurt with cucumber- How complicated can it be?

Well, my family made it traditionally with dried dill. My husband’s family made it with dried mint. We both insisted that our family’s version was the right version. Finally, I started making maast-o khiar with both dried mint and dried dill. Peace was brought to our house. And I continue making mast-o khiar this way.

Some people add raisins and walnuts to the mix. Some people like a bit of dried rose petals in theirs. Serve it as an appetizer with bread or potato chips (oh yeah, so good with chips!) or dollap some on your kabob, steak, chicken or fish. My kids fight over who gets to lick the bowl clean.

Oh there I go again, bringing up the kids again…

And no, it’s not tzitziki sauce. It’s mast-o khiar, yogurt with cucumber!

Mast-o Khiar (Persian Yogurt with Cucumbers)

Author:

Laura Bashar

This popular mediterranean yogurt dish can be found in many variations, depending on the region. The Greeks have tzatziki, for example, and the Persians have this version. Recipe by Laura Bashar of Family Spice

Ingredients:

• 4 cup yogurt, plain Greek
• 1 1/2 cup Persian cucumbers, diced
• 2 tsp dill, dried
• 2 tsp mint, dried
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground

Directions:

1. Combine in medium-sized serving bowl:
• 4 cup yogurt, plain Greek
• 1 1/2 cup Persian cucumbers , diced
• 2 tsp dill, dried
• 2 tsp mint, dried
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground

Notes:

Serving Suggestions: Chopped walnuts and raisins can also be added to the yogurt. Great as a side dish or as an appetizer, served with bread or potato chips.

Cooking Tips: Traditionally, middle-eastern yogurt is thick and a little sour. If you can not find authentic middle-eastern yogurt, you may need to adjust the seasonings.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Yield: 8 servings

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