SAEDNEWS: A simple, cool recipe for ab doogh khiar — yogurt, cucumber and herb drink — with full ingredients, method, tips, temperament and health benefits.
Ab doogh khiar is a traditional Iranian dish that is simple, light and ready-made, served cold; because of its cold and cooling temperament it is especially suited to the summer season.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0
Calories: 300 calories
Ingredient | Quantity / Notes |
|---|---|
Yogurt | 4 cups |
Cucumber | 2 pieces |
Chopped fresh herbs | 2 cups |
Raisins (for pilaf) | 1/3 cup |
Dried mint | 1 teaspoon |
Dried marzeh and tarragon | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cream (if desired) | 2 tablespoons |
Walnuts | 10 pieces |
Water or milk | 2 cups |
Dried bread | As needed |
Salt and black pepper | As needed |
Gol-e Mohammadi (rose petals), if desired | Small amount |
Chop the cucumber, chopped fresh herbs (sabzi khordan) and walnuts. Add the yogurt, cream, mint and the dried marzeh and tarragon, raisins, salt and pepper; mix them, and finally add the water or milk.
Add the bread at the moment of serving because the bread quickly becomes soggy.
Tip one: Ingredient amounts are entirely to taste and can be increased or decreased according to preference.
Tip two: Some people make it entirely with doogh (yogurt drink) or add doogh instead of water or milk.
The temperament of this dish is cold and it should be balanced using warming ingredients such as pepper, walnuts, raisins, rose petals (gol-e Mohammadi), mint and herbs with a warming temperament.
Yogurt promotes absorption of calcium and protein, strengthens beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, reduces blood cholesterol, reduces the likelihood of tumour and colon cancer, reduces the number of fungi in the female reproductive tract and can even aid weight loss.
The phosphorus in the walnuts used in this dish is equal to the phosphorus found in fish and is a source for absorbing various vitamins.
Raisins have antioxidant properties that prevent cellular degeneration and osteoporosis, and are also beneficial for the health of teeth and gums.
