Mast-o Khiar (Persian Yogurt with Cucumber and Mint)
Local name: ماست و خیار
In short: Cool, thick yogurt stirred with diced cucumber, dried mint and a little garlic, the Persian side dish for rice, kebab and stews. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 130 kcal
Mast-o khiar is on many Persian tables, a bowl of thick yogurt cooled with cucumber and perfumed with dried mint. It balances the richness of kebab, stews and rice and takes five minutes to make. Raisins and walnuts are a common addition for guests, and a pinch of dried rose petals makes it look festive. Serve it cold, in a small bowl, with a spoon.
Instructions
- Stir the yogurt in a bowl until smooth and loose.
- Fold in the diced cucumber, 1 tbsp dried mint, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the raisins and walnuts, if using.
- Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes so the mint softens and the flavors blend.
- Taste and add more salt if needed. Crumble the remaining dried mint over the top, add rose petals if you like, and serve cold.
Tips
- If your cucumbers are large and watery, peel, halve, scoop out the seeds, dice and salt them for 10 minutes. Pat dry before folding into the yogurt.
- For a thicker dip, drain the yogurt in a cheesecloth for 1 hour. Swap the cucumber for grated cooked beets or chopped cooked spinach for borani-style variations.
Questions and answers
How long does mast-o khiar keep?
Up to 2 days in the fridge. The cucumber releases water, so pour off any liquid and stir before serving.
What is the difference between mast-o khiar and tzatziki?
Mast-o khiar uses dried mint and often raisins and walnuts, with little or no garlic. Tzatziki relies on garlic, olive oil and dill.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes. Thin it with 2 to 3 tbsp cold water if it feels too thick. Persian yogurt is close to full-fat plain yogurt.
How long does it take to make Mast-o Khiar (Persian Yogurt with Cucumber and Mint)?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mast-o Khiar (Persian Yogurt with Cucumber and Mint)?
About 130 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 130 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
