❖ A Classic Persian Refreshment
Mast-o-Khiar is a beloved Persian dip—its name literally translates to “yogurt with cucumber.” This cooling salad is perfect as a dip, a side dish, or a light appetizer during warm months.
Yogurt and cucumber is a timeless pairing found in many cultures, and in this Persian version, the result is creamy, refreshing, and deeply aromatic—especially when topped with a touch of dried rose petals.
❖ What Makes It Unique?
You may be wondering: how is Mast-o-Khiar different from Greek tzatziki? The differences are subtle:
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Texture: Greek yogurt tends to be thicker, while Persian yogurt is often a bit lighter.
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Cucumber prep: Tzatziki usually calls for grated cucumber, but Mast-o-Khiar uses small diced pieces.
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Aromatic twist: A hallmark of Persian cuisine is the use of dried rose petals as garnish, adding floral depth and elegance.
These small distinctions give Mast-o-Khiar its own personality—gentle, fragrant, and uniquely Persian.
❖ Ingredients
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½ cucumber
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250 ml Greek or full-fat plain yogurt
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1 tsp fresh or dried dill
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1 tsp fresh or dried mint
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Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional garnish: dried rose petals
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Extra virgin Yakelos olive oil
❖ Instructions
① Cut the cucumber lengthwise into quarters, then chop into small cubes (around 1 cm).
② In a bowl, mix the cucumber pieces with the yogurt, dill, and mint.
③ Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
④ For an elegant touch, garnish with a sprinkle of dried rose petals and a drizzle of Yakelos extra virgin olive oil.
