Ab Doogh Khiar (Persian Cold Yogurt and Cucumber Soup)
Local name: آب دوغ خیار
In short: A cold summer soup of yogurt thinned with water, diced cucumber, fresh herbs, raisins and walnuts, served over ice with torn flatbread. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 190 kcal
When summer heat settles in, many Iranian families skip the stove and make ab doogh khiar, a chilled soup built on yogurt and cucumber. Sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts and a handful of fresh herbs sit in the cold, tangy base, and pieces of flatbread soak up the liquid. It is refreshing, filling and takes 15 minutes plus chilling. Serve it with a spoon, or drink the last of the bowl.
Instructions
- Whisk the yogurt and the ice-cold water together in a large bowl until smooth and pourable, like thin buttermilk.
- Stir in the cucumber, scallions, fresh herbs, dried mint, salt and pepper. Taste and add more water or salt as needed.
- Fold in the raisins and half of the walnuts. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Ladle into chilled bowls. Add the torn flatbread, if using, then top with the remaining walnuts, rose petals and a few ice cubes.
Tips
- Use the coldest water and yogurt you have, and add ice at the table so the soup stays thick and cool. Thin it to the consistency you like; some people prefer it close to a drink.
- Chopped radishes or a little grated garlic add extra bite. Dried rose petals are a pretty and traditional garnish.
Questions and answers
Can I make ab doogh khiar ahead of time?
Mix the soup up to 2 hours ahead and keep it chilled, but add the bread and ice only at serving time so they do not turn soggy or dilute it.
Is ab doogh khiar the same as tzatziki?
No. It is thinned with water to make a spoonable soup and includes raisins, walnuts and herbs. Tzatziki is a thick dip made with garlic and olive oil.
Can I use low-fat yogurt?
Yes, but whole-milk or Greek-style yogurt thinned with water gives a creamier result.
How long does it take to make Ab Doogh Khiar (Persian Cold Yogurt and Cucumber Soup)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ab Doogh Khiar (Persian Cold Yogurt and Cucumber Soup)?
About 190 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 21 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 190 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
