Persian Yogurt Salad Recipes

MAST-O KHIAR (PERSIAN CUCUMBER AND HERB YOGURT)

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.

PERSIAN CUCUMBER YOGURT (MAAST-O KHIYAAR)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix the yougurt and kefir cheese.
• Finely chop the cucumbers and add to yogurt mixture.
• Add basil, mint, salt, pepper, onion powder, raisins, walnuts, and dried rose petals to the mixture.
• Mix well.
• Refrigerate for an hour and serve.

MASHT-O KHIYAAR (PERSIAN CUCUMBER SALAD WITH SULTANAS AND WALNUTS)

Steps:

• Place yogurt into a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter and allow to drain, about 20 minutes. You should end up with about a cup of thick yogurt.
• Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add walnuts, and toast while stirring until nuts start to turn golden brown and become fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
• Mix yogurt, sultanas, walnuts, dill, mint, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, add cucumber and toss to combine. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

PERSIAN CUCUMBER YOGURT (MAAST-O KHIAR)

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.