Yoghurt with cucumber and mint (maast-o-khiar)
Yoghurt with cucumber and mint (maast-o-khiar) combines creamy Greek yogurt with crisp cucumbers and fragrant mint. It's an easy Persian side dish ideal for cooling down your meal or serving as a light snack.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 cucumbers1 onion
1 cup scallions
1 cup greek yogurt
1/3 cup spearmint
Maast-o-Khiar is a refreshing and traditional Persian dish that perfectly balances the creamy texture of Greek yogurt with the cool, crisp taste of cucumber and the aromatic freshness of mint. This easy-to-make appetizer or side dish is a popular choice in Persian cuisine, ideal for a light snack or a complement to a main course.
Instructions:
- Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Peel them if desired, though it's optional. Cut the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces or grate them using a grater.
- Onion: Peel the onion and finely chop it.
- Scallions: Clean the scallions by cutting off the roots and any wilted parts of the greens. Slice them thinly, both the white and green parts.
- Spearmint: Rinse the spearmint leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then finely chop the leaves.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cucumber, onion, scallions, and spearmint.
- Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl.
- Using a large spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Yoghurt with Cucumber and Mint as a refreshing side dish or dip. It pairs well with bread, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Maast-o-Khiar is a simple yet delicious recipe that brings a taste of Persia to your table. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this yogurt-based dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Serve it as an appetizer, a side, or enjoy it on its own for a refreshing treat.
Yoghurt with cucumber and mint (maast-o-khiar) FAQ:
It's best to refrigerate the maast-o-khiar for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the dish's refreshing taste.
While you can use regular yogurt, Greek yogurt provides a thicker and creamier texture that complements the dish well. If using regular yogurt, consider straining it to achieve a similar consistency.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
European or Persian cucumbers are ideal for this dish as they are typically less bitter and have fewer seeds compared to regular cucumbers. However, any firm cucumber can work.
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding herbs like dill or parsley. Just keep in mind that additional flavors may change the traditional taste.
Tips:
- Ensure that the cucumber is finely chopped or grated for a smoother texture and better integration with the yogurt.
- For a richer flavor, consider using fresh mint instead of dried mint.
- You can adjust the quantity of mint and scallions based on your taste preference.
- Let the dish chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 50kcal
Protein 3.32g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 0.81g
Sugar 3.77g
Fat 1.58g
More recipes
Fried spinach with yoghurt (borani esfanaaj)
Try Borani Esfanaaj: a creamy spinach and yogurt dish.
08 Jan 2026Garlic quinoa zucchini fritters
Savor these crispy garlic quinoa zucchini fritters as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
08 Jan 2026Quinoa and sweet potato fritter
Nutritious quinoa and sweet potato fritters, perfect for any meal.
19 Dec 2025