Pin it
I gotta tell you about this amazing Persian yogurt dip that totally changed my family's view on appetizers! I first tried Mast-o Khiar at my friend's dinner party and couldn't wait to make it myself. The way the smooth yogurt works with crunchy cucumbers, sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts is just incredible. Even my yogurt-avoiding kids couldn't stop dunking their bread in it the first time I made this!
What Makes This Dip Extra Special
This goes way beyond regular yogurt dip! When all these textures and tastes come together, something truly wonderful happens. I brought it to my book club last week and everyone was begging for the recipe. My cucumber-hating neighbor even went back for more, saying she loved how the sweet and savory worked together!
Your Ingredients List
- Main Components:
- Rich Greek yogurt
- Crisp Persian cucumbers if available
- Toasted walnuts
- Plump raisins
- Green dill and dried mint
- One small garlic clove
- Top Decorations:
- More fresh herbs
- Optional dried rose petals
- Good quality olive oil
- Extra nuts and raisins for looks
Making Your Dip
- Getting Everything Ready
- Start by soaking those raisins in cold water so they get nice and juicy! While that's happening, chop your cucumbers and add some salt. This pulls out water and keeps your dip from getting runny.
- Creating The Mix
- Combine your thick yogurt with the drained cucumbers and watch the magic start. Adding walnuts, raisins and herbs gives every bite a fun mix of flavors!
- Adding Beauty
- This is when your dip gets pretty! Scatter some rose petals and extra herbs on top and you've got something that looks as good as it tastes.
Pin it
Tips For Amazing Results
Want my tricks for knockout Mast-o Khiar? Always salt those cucumbers to keep everything nice and thick! Cut your walnuts and herbs right before using for the best flavor. And try this trick - put it in the fridge for an hour before eating so all those tastes can mix together!
Ways To Enjoy It
I always put this in my nicest bowl with some warm flatbread on the side. It works great for get-togethers, quick lunches or next to grilled meat dishes. I usually make twice as much for dinner parties because it goes so fast. I love seeing people smile when they notice those pretty rose petals on top!
Storage Tips
This dip actually tastes better after a day in the fridge as the flavors blend together! Just stir it up before you serve it and maybe add some fresh herbs on top. But in my house it hardly ever lasts that long because everyone keeps grabbing spoonfuls when I'm not looking!
Try These Variations
Feel free to switch things up! Sometimes I throw in pistachios or almonds instead. My friend who loves mint adds tons more and it's super refreshing. Once I tried a mix of golden raisins with dried cranberries and it was awesome! That's what makes cooking fun - finding what works best for you.
Pin it
The Heart Behind This Dish
Mast-o Khiar has become our family's way of connecting with Persian culture through food! There's something wonderful about bringing traditional dishes into our home and making them part of our story. My kids are trying new flavors and finding out that yogurt can actually be exciting.
The coolest part isn't just how tasty it is but seeing everyone's shocked faces when they taste how these simple ingredients work together! Whether you're whipping it up for friends or just want something fresh and yummy, it always hits the spot. And watching people discover foods from different cultures? That's what makes time in the kitchen worthwhile!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What yogurt works best here?
- Thick Greek yogurt works great, but any plain yogurt will do as long as it's not watery. Choose any fat content you like.
- → Can I switch the cucumber type?
- Persian or English cucumbers are both fine. With English ones, scoop out some seeds to keep the mix less watery.
- → Why do the raisins need soaking?
- It makes them plump and juicier. Use any raisin type you love, including golden ones.
- → What pairs well with this dip?
- Use pita, flatbread, or grilled meats for dipping. It's also great with kebabs or roasted veggies.
- → Are rose petals needed?
- Not at all. They're for decoration. You can skip them or swap with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nuts.