Doogh (Persian Salted Yogurt and Mint Drink)
Local name: دوغ
In short: A frothy, tangy Persian drink of yogurt thinned with cold or sparkling water, salt and dried mint, served over ice with kebab or rice. It takes about 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 80 kcal
Doogh is the drink Iranians pour with kebab, rice and almost any heavy meal. It is plain yogurt thinned with cold water, seasoned with salt and dried mint, and sometimes made fizzy with soda water. The sourness cuts through grilled meat and rich stews, and the drink cools the table on a hot day. It is savory rather than sweet, so it can take a moment to love if you are used to sweetened yogurt drinks.
Instructions
- Put the yogurt, 250 ml (1 cup) of the cold water, the dried mint and the salt in a blender. Blend for 20 seconds, until smooth and frothy. You can also whisk everything in a large jug.
- Pour in the remaining water, plain or sparkling, and stir gently. Taste and add more salt or water to suit you.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes. Serve over ice, with a pinch of dried mint on top and diced cucumber if you like.
Tips
- For a fizzy doogh, use cold sparkling water for the second half of the liquid and stir gently just before serving. Add the water in stages until it tastes the way you like.
- Fresh mint, dill or finely chopped cucumber are common additions. Greek-style yogurt is thicker, so thin it with a little extra water.
Questions and answers
What is doogh made of?
Yogurt, water, salt and usually dried mint. Some versions use sparkling water, and others add cucumber or fresh herbs.
Can I make doogh ahead of time?
Yes. Mix it up to 1 day ahead and keep it cold. It separates a little, so whisk or shake before pouring.
Is doogh the same as ayran or lassi?
They are close relatives. Doogh is typically salted and minty and may be carbonated, ayran is plainer, and lassi is often sweet or fruit-flavored.
How long does it take to make Doogh (Persian Salted Yogurt and Mint Drink)?
About 5 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Doogh (Persian Salted Yogurt and Mint Drink)?
About 80 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 80 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
