This yogurt and cucumber dip, known as Mast-o-Khiar in Persian, is made from cucumbers, yogurt, and mint. It’s similar to tzatziki and raita.
Sweetened with golden raisins and perfumed with rose petals, this creamy dip is served with flatbread or rice or lamb on the tables of Iranian families.–James Oseland
WHAT IS MAST-O-KHIAR?
Mast-o-khiar. It’s Persian for cucumber and yogurt, and yes, it’s what you get here. But that’s an overly simplistic summary of this traditional Middle Eastern dip. True, mast-o-khiar is not unlike Greek tzatziki or Indian raita, although this traditional rendition ups the ante with rose petal leaves and golden raisins. Toasted walnuts are another terrific addition if you like a little crunch with your creaminess. And yes, Greek yogurt works well in this recipe. As for how to dispatch this dip, that’s entirely at your discretion.
Yogurt and Cucumber Dip ~ Mast-o-Khiar
This yogurt and cucumber dip, known as Mast-o-Khiar in Persian, is made from cucumbers, yogurt, and mint. It’s like tzatziki.
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Place the raisins in a small bowl and add enough warm water to cover. Set aside until soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
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On a cutting board, sprinkle the minced garlic with kosher salt. Using the side of a knife, mash the garlic into a paste. Dump it into a bowl.
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Drain the raisins and stir almost all of them into the bowl of garlic along with the yogurt, mint, and cucumber. Garnish with the remaining raisins and the rose petals, if using.
Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 53kcal (3%)Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)Protein: 2g (4%)Fat: 1g (2%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mg (1%)Sodium: 34mg (1%)Potassium: 173mg (5%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 8g (9%)Vitamin A: 72IU (1%)Vitamin C: 2mg (2%)Calcium: 50mg (5%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Originally published July 16, 2013
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