Saed News: Ābdugh Khiar is one of the traditional Iranian dishes that really hits the spot and is especially enjoyable in the heat of summer.
Saed News Cooking Section Report:
Summer simply wouldn’t be complete without Ābdugh Khiar. This delicious and traditional Iranian dish (or appetizer) can also be an elegant addition to the table at formal gatherings. In this article, we will look into how to make a more upscale version of Ābdugh Khiar suitable for events, along with decoration ideas and serving tips.
Yogurt – 250 grams
Doogh (diluted yogurt drink) – 0.5 liters
Cucumbers – 400 grams
Fresh herbs and mint – 200 grams
Cream – 2 tablespoons
Walnuts – 100 grams
Dried rose petals – as needed
Ice cubes – as needed
Raisins – 100 grams
Dried bread – as needed
1. Preparing the Base Ingredients
The first step is to prep the base components. Dice the cucumbers finely (similar to how it's done for mast-o-khiar), then chop the radishes, herbs, and scallions.
2. Mixing Yogurt, Cream, and Doogh
In the second step, place all the chopped ingredients in a large bowl. Add the yogurt, cream, and doogh, followed by spices, salt, and dried herbs. Mix everything thoroughly.
3. Final Additions and Garnishing
Finally, stir in the remaining ingredients. Garnish with mint leaves, radish slices, raisins, walnuts, a few ice cubes, and dried rose petals for a beautiful presentation.
Chopping or Blending Ingredients
You might wonder if using a blender instead of chopping by hand would be faster. The answer is yes—but we only recommend this shortcut when you're short on time and can’t prepare it in the traditional way.
Best Herbs for a Luxurious Touch
Choose your herbs carefully for a deluxe version. The ideal herbs include:
Radish
Scallion
Green and purple basil
Tarragon
Summer savory
Dill
Mint
Low-Calorie/Diet Version
This dish is already quite healthy. But if you're on a diet, opt for low-fat yogurt and doogh, and skip the cream. Keep in mind, this makes it more of a “healthy” version rather than the rich, festive kind.
Vegan or Vegetarian-Friendly Ābdugh Khiar
Surprised? Yes, vegans and vegetarians can enjoy this dish too—just use plant-based yogurt and skip the doogh altogether.
Adding Bread to the Dish
While some prefer to eat it like a cold soup, adding dried bread enhances its texture and makes it more filling. It's highly recommended for the full experience.
If you enjoy chilled dishes like Ābdugh Khiar, consider trying gazpacho, another refreshing cold soup that’s perfect for hot weather.
Thanks to yogurt and doogh, Ābdugh Khiar is rich in protein. The herbs, particularly tarragon, have notable health benefits such as blood sugar regulation and improved sleep. Walnuts contribute folic acid and essential vitamins that reduce fatigue. Overall, it’s a dish worth including in your daily diet.
To elevate the look of your dish:
Top with dried rose petals
Arrange thin slices of radish
Sprinkle with crushed walnuts and raisins
Add ice cubes right before serving
Finish with fresh mint leaves
For inspiration, you can even check out styles like those of Mina Mokhtari, who is known for her beautiful Ābdugh Khiar presentations.