**Mast-o-Khiyar: A Refreshing Yogurt and Cucumber Dip**
In the realm of Persian cuisine, Mast-o-Khiyar stands as a culinary gem, a symphony of flavors that offers a refreshing respite from the heat and a delightful accompaniment to an array of dishes. This yogurt-based dip, also known as Yogurt with Cucumbers, embodies the essence of simplicity, featuring a harmonious blend of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, and a hint of garlic. Its versatility extends beyond its role as a dip, as it also serves as a vibrant sauce, adding a burst of flavor to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even as a marinade for chicken or fish. This beloved Persian dish is not only a testament to the region's culinary prowess but also a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients when combined with culinary expertise.
**Three Variations to Delight Your Palate:**
1. **Classic Mast-o-Khiyar:** Experience the timeless simplicity of this traditional recipe, where plain yogurt, diced cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic come together in perfect harmony.
2. **Mast-o-Khiyar with Walnuts:** Elevate the classic recipe with the addition of crunchy walnuts, adding a delightful textural contrast and a nutty flavor that complements the yogurt's creaminess.
3. **Mast-o-Khiyar with Pomegranate Seeds:** Embark on a culinary adventure by incorporating vibrant pomegranate seeds, introducing pops of sweetness and color that transform this dip into a visually stunning and tastefully tantalizing creation.
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
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
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
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
MAST O KHIYAR (YOGURT AND CUCUMBERS)
A light nutritious dish that can be eaten as a dip, with pita, as a sauce on rice or kebab or as a side dish. A traditional Iranian recipe. We eat a lot of this in the summer. It is far better with a real home country style yogurt, low fat yogurt just doesn't cut it.
Provided by Deerwoman
Categories Vegetable
Time 15m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Leave skins on cucumbers for color.
- Mix all ingredients, add garnish.
- Chill and serve.
- Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint.
- Only if you have no choice should you use dried mint. It just isn't as good. We eat it this way in winter when we have no fresh mint, as a sauce on rice with an Iranian stew.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 104.1, Fat 4.2, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 15.9, Sodium 62, Carbohydrate 12.6, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 8.6, Protein 5.6
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality yogurt. Greek yogurt or strained yogurt will give you a thick and creamy consistency.
- Use fresh, crisp cucumbers. English cucumbers are a good choice because they have fewer seeds and a mild flavor.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. However, fresh herbs will give you a more vibrant flavor.
- Mast-o-khiyar can be served immediately or chilled for later. It's a refreshing and delicious dish that's perfect for a hot summer day.
Conclusion:
Mast-o-khiyar is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it with fresh herbs, dried herbs, or a combination of both, mast-o-khiyar is a delicious and healthy dish that's sure to please everyone at your table.
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