Abdoogh Khiar
Abdoogh Khiar is a Persian cold yogurt soup made with cucumbers, herbs, walnuts, and raisins mixed into tangy yogurt and chilled before serving. Creamy, aromatic, and incredibly refreshing — it’s the perfect no-cook meal for summer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt (preferably full-fat or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup cold water or doogh (yogurt drink)
- 2 medium cucumbers, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons raisins or currants
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed dried rose petals (for garnish, optional)
- Ice cubes (optional, for serving)
- Crumbled dried lavash or pita bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt Base: In a large bowl, whisk yogurt with cold water or doogh until smooth and slightly thin in consistency.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in diced cucumbers, mint, dill, parsley (or cilantro), and garlic (if using).
- Add Nuts and Fruit: Mix in walnuts and raisins for texture and a hint of sweetness.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve: Pour into bowls, garnish with crushed dried rose petals, extra herbs, and ice cubes if desired. Serve with crumbled bread on top or on the side.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, use doogh (a salty yogurt drink) instead of plain water.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more yogurt or liquid depending on preference.
- Dried herbs can be used if fresh ones are unavailable — soak them briefly before adding.
- Add a handful of ice cubes just before serving for extra refreshment.
- Traditionally served with pieces of flatbread mixed in for texture.