**Introducing Mast-o-Khiar, a Refreshing Persian Cucumber Yogurt Dip**
Mast-o-Khiar, a beloved Persian cucumber yogurt dip, is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that perfectly embodies the essence of Persian cuisine. This cool and refreshing dip, pronounced "mast-o-khi-yar," is a staple in Persian homes, often served as an appetizer or alongside main courses. It is made with a simple yet flavorful combination of yogurt, cucumber, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. Mast-o-Khiar offers a harmonious balance of tangy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and the subtle warmth of garlic and dried mint, making it an irresistible dip for any occasion.
This versatile dip has gained popularity beyond Persian borders, captivating taste buds worldwide. Its simplicity and versatility make it a favorite among home cooks, and its ability to complement various dishes seamlessly has earned it a place in many international cuisines.
In this article, we present a collection of Mast-o-Khiar recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dip. From the traditional Persian recipe to variations inspired by different cultures, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a classic, herbaceous Mast-o-Khiar or a spicy, zesty version, you'll find a recipe here to satisfy your cravings.
MAST-O-KHIAR (YOGURT CUCUMBER SALAD BITES)
Mast-o-khiar is a scrumptious classic Persian salad of cool cucumbers with creamy yogurt, and infused with fragrant herbs. Presented here in two ways - as a traditional salad and in a modern appetizer style. It makes a great Persian style appetizer that is quick, easy, vegetarian, low carb and gluten free.
Provided by Roxana Begum
Categories Salad
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Scrub the surface of one cucumber using a vegetable brush and rinse well. Chop into small pieces. Alternatively you may grate the cucumber, especially for making the appetizer style cucumber yogurt salad bites.
- Drain any juices very well. It should yield about 2 cups grated cucumber.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber, yogurt, garlic, dill, green onions, mint, and ground rose petals. Season it with pepper and salt as per taste.
- Add raisins and walnuts if you prefer. The addition of these ingredients is most suitable if preparing it for the appetizer style cucumber salad bites. Chill the mixture for one to two hours.
- If serving it as a traditional salad, then transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Garnish with rose petals and mint to finish off the Mast-o-khiar.
- If serving it as cucumber salad bites, then take the other cucumber, scrub and rinse the surface very well with a vegetable brush.
- Cut off the ends of the cucumber. Then using a sharp knife cut it lengthwise through the center into two long halves.
- Using a melon baller scoop out the center portion of the cucumber to create a hollow cavity along the length of the halves. Then cut the hollowed out cucumber halves into smaller pieces. Using a small spoon fill these with the cucumber yogurt mixture.
- Garnish the yogurt cucumber salad bites with rose petals, mint, red pepper flakes, walnuts, raisins, barberries etc.
- Place the cucumber salad bites on a serving platter and insert toothpicks to make it easy to serve.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Cup, Calories 107 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 19 mg, Sodium 70 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 9 g
MAST-O KHIAR (PERSIAN CUCUMBER AND HERB YOGURT)
Yogurt, both plain and with cucumbers, is everywhere on Iranian tables - the thicker and sourer, the better. Mast-o khiar is an everyday side similar to Indian raita or Greek tzatziki, but raisins, walnuts and rose petals elevate this version of the dish, adding a host of different flavors and textures. Dice, rather than grate, the cucumbers to keep them from getting watery, and don't skip the dried mint and dried dill, which add dimension to the fresh herbs.
Provided by Samin Nosrat
Categories easy, quick, condiments, salads and dressings, side dish
Time 20m
Yield About 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 10
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.
MAST-O KHIAR (PERSIAN YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)
From our local newspaper. Low fat yogurt can be substituted for whole milk yogurt. (This recipe can be also transformed with a snap of your fingers into a soup by adding 1 cup of cold water or broth, to desired consistency. Serve with an ice cube to keep soup chilled.)
Provided by COOKGIRl
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h15m
Yield 5 cups
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a serving bowl combine the cucumber, raisins, yogurt, sour cream, scallions, mint, dill, garlic and walnuts.
- Stir mixture thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate dip for at least 1 hour before serving.
- When ready to serve, garnish with the mint, rose petals and the rose bud, if using.
- Serve with pita bread triangles, Arabic bread, crostini, etc.
- Yield is estimated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.1, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 31.1, Sodium 323, Carbohydrate 22.7, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 17.5, Protein 7.3
MAAST-O-KHIAR (YOGURT WITH CUCUMBER)
Serve this minty yogurt dip as part of a Persian banquet for family and friends. With cucumber and mint, it makes a refreshing side dish for barbecued meats too
Provided by Sabrina Ghayour
Categories Side dish
Time 5m
Yield Serves 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Mix the cucumber, dried mint, golden raisins and some salt and pepper in a bowl until evenly combined. Check the seasoning to taste and adjust if needed. Spoon onto a plate or bowl and garnish with the rose petals, mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, if you like.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 145 calories, Fat 9 grams fat, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 10 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 10 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 6 grams protein, Sodium 0.16 milligram of sodium
PERSIAN CUCUMBER YOGURT (MAAST-O KHIAR)
This cool and healthy dip can be served along side rice and meat, or simply with bread. No Persian meal is complete without Maast-o khiar! This dish is best if refrigerated for a few hours, but if you are strapped for time feel free to serve after mixing. Don't be afraid to get creative! Try adding spinach, raisins, or walnuts. Other herbs could be used as well (i.e. mint, tarragon, oregano). More cucumbers, less shallots...it's your call! Enjoy!
Provided by SASHAYEGHI
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and shallot. Season with dill, salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 46.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Cholesterol 3.4 mg, Fat 0.9 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 187.5 mg, Sugar 4.6 g
Tips:
- For the creamiest mast-o-khiar, use full-fat yogurt.
- If you don't have Persian cucumbers, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to peel and seed them first.
- To make your mast-o-khiar even more refreshing, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish your mast-o-khiar with fresh herbs, such as mint, cilantro, or dill, for a pop of flavor and color.
- Serve mast-o-khiar as a dip with pita bread, chips, or vegetables, or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.
Conclusion:
Mast-o-khiar is a delicious and refreshing Persian dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it plain or with a variety of toppings, mast-o-khiar is sure to please everyone at your table.
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