About This Middle Eastern Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
This Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt sauce is a recipe I picked up from my husband’s family while I was in Iran. In Persian, it’s called mast-o-khiar, which means yogurt (mast) and cucumber (khiar).
Being invited to lunches and dinners at my in-laws’ relatives’ homes meant trying lots of homemade Persian cuisine and mezze. This cucumber yogurt sauce was one side dish that showed up often. And during festive gatherings, it was sometimes decorated with dried rose petals.
Table of Contents
- What to Serve with Middle Eastern Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- What You’ll Need for This Middle Eastern Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- How to Make Persian Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- FAQ
- Persian Recipe To Pair with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- Other Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Got Leftover? Try This Recipe
Mast-o-khiar is similar to tzatziki, but more rustic and lighter, as it is made with regular yogurt and a slightly different mix of herbs and toppings.
The homemade versions I’ve tried in Iran also had their own twists
- Crushed walnuts for extra crunch
- A scant drop of rose water for floral aroma
- Dried rose petals for garnish
But fresh mint and dill are the most common and simple additions, just like my mother-in-law makes it. This recipe is inspired by her version.
What to Serve with Middle Eastern Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
In summer, it’s hard to resist this creamy, minty yogurt sauce with the crisp bite of cucumber. Back in my husband’s hometown in Iran, this cucumber yogurt sauce is a must next to kebabs on barbecue days. We would eat it next to rice, bread and salad. If I’m craving something sweet, I’ll stir in raisins or chopped dried foods and enjoy it as a dessert.
There are so many other ways to enjoy this cucumber yogurt sauce. Here are some ideas
- Next to Middle Eastern rice dishes – It adds a refreshing creaminess and a touch of acidity to balance the dish.
- For dipping vegetables – Serve it with fresh, crunchy vegetables (carrot, celery, cauliflower) for a light and refreshing snack.
- As a side with your charcuterie board – It’s perfect for dipping salty crackers.
- As a refreshing, tangy sauce with your barbecue – It helps cleanse the palate between bites, especially with rich, grilled meats.
What You’ll Need for This Middle Eastern Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- Yogurt – You can use any plain yogurt. I like using Greek yogurt because it’s high in protein and it’s thicker.
- Dill and Mint – I like using fresh dill and mint leaves for the refreshing flavor. You can substitute it with dried too.
- Fresh Garlic – You’ll need just a little to add some sharpness and flavor. I recommend grating it finely so it blends evenly into the sauce.
- Cucumber – Persian or Japanese cucumbers work best because they’re crisp and have less seeds.
How to Make Persian Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- Wash the cucumbers and herbs, and make sure they’re fully dried before chopping (any leftover water will make the sauce watery). Thinly dice the cucumber and roughly chop the herbs.
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt with the diced cucumber and chopped herbs, then grate the fresh garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix everything thoroughly.
FAQ
How long does this yogurt and cucumber sauce last?
It will last for about four days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Make sure the herbs and cucumber are dry before mixing them into the yogurt to prevent excess water.
What’s the difference between tzatziki and Persian mast-o-khiar?
Tzatziki is a Greek cucumber yogurt sauce that is usually thicker and tangier, made with strained yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Persian mast-o-khiar is usually lighter (made with natural yogurt) cucumber, and fresh herbs. Some variations include walnuts, raisins, or dried rose petals.
Persian Recipe To Pair with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Other Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Got Leftover? Try This Recipe
MIDDLE EASTERN GARLICKY YOGURT SAUCE
A refreshing Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt sauce with Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh herbs. Ready in minutes!
4
servings5
minutes5
minutes5
starsIngredients
2 cups of yogurt (I like to use Greek yogurt for its high protein content)
1 Japanese/ Persian cucumber
7g mint leaves (optional)
5g mint dills
2 cloves of garlic – grated
1/2 tsp of salt
A pinch of black pepper
Directions
- Wash the cucumber and cut it into small dice.
- Remove the herb leaves from the stalks and roughly chop them.
- Add the diced cucumber and chopped herbs to a bowl with the Greek yogurt.
- Grate the garlic directly into the bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything well.
- Serve with cut vegetables, bread, or basically anything you like!
🥣 Did you try this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
