Mast o Khiar – Yogurt Dip with Cucumber, Raisins and Walnuts
Mast o Khiar is a delicious, creamy yoghurt dip, that you can enjoy simply on its own, with crackers as a snack, or as a side to a main meal. Mast o Khiar simply translates to ‘yogurt and cucumber’ and so the basic version is made of yoghurt, cucumbers and garlic, seasoned with salt.
There are many different versions of Masto Khiar though, so in this one, I also included crushed walnuts and raisins. Since many people don’t like raisins and some don’t like raisins and garlic together, I listed these ingredients as optional. If you like raisins though, I encourage you to give this more extensive version of Maast o Khiaar a go. The combination of different flavours and textures differentiates it from other yogurt and cucumber dips.
Maast o Khiaar is often served as a ‘maze’, which is a snack accompanied by aperitifs. However, traditionally it can also be found as part of a big spread of different Persian dishes, served as a side dish. But honestly, it’s so good even just on its own.
Cook the most popular Persian dishes at home with the help of my e-book.
Time
Prep: 10 min
Ingredients (serving 4)
500g / 1.1lbs Greek or Greek-style yoghurt
100g / 3.5oz cucumber (about half a large cucumber)
5 tbsp crushed walnuts
3 tbsp raisins (optional)
2 cloves garlic (optional)
Salt to taste
Crushed dried rose petals as garnish (optional)
Method
Cut one large cucumber in half or cut off the ends of a couple of small cucumbers. Slice them lengthwise, about 0.5cm / 0.2″ thick. Divide the slices into two piles, that look like cucumber halves and place them cut side down on the chopping board. Slice lengthwise them again at the same thickness, so that you have long, thin ‘cucumber sticks’. Hold them together with one hand, while you chop the cucumber widthwise, as you normally would. Now you have very fine cubes. Repeat this with the other half.
Slightly crush the walnuts, using a pestle and mortar, or chop them until the pieces are fairly small.
Finely chop the garlic cloves or press them through a garlic press.
Combine all the ingredients with the creamy Greek-style yogurt and season with salt to your liking.
If you like, you could garnish the Mast o Khiaar with crushed or whole little rose petals. Serve it as an appetiser with crackers, bread or crisps/chips or as a side with rice and Persian stews.
I’d love to see your Mast o Khiar! Feel free to tag me with @igotitfrommymaman on Facebook or Insta so I can take a look and give you a thumbs up!
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