Persian Yogurt Soup

Discover the refreshing flavors of Persian yogurt soup with cucumber and mint. This traditional recipe combines creamy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic mint in a delightful chilled soup. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and healthy starter.

The Persian yogurt soup called Abdoogh Khiar is the ideal starter on a hot day when you’re in dire need of refreshment.  It’s a no-cook soup that’s super simple to make and a hot weather favorite of mine.

It’s cooling properties lies in the combination of cucumbers, yogurt and mint.  The refreshing trio is whisked together to make a cold, creamy and slightly tart soup that’s pretty irresistible on days when the temperatures are steadily rising. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to call a cold soup comforting, but it certainly is refreshing and rejuvenating.  This is the kind of soup you can make all summer long since it only takes a few minutes to whisk together.

Ingredient Notes:

(Here are a few notes about the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.  As always find the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

• Yogurt - Similar to tzatzki,  raita or mast-o-khiar, you need to start with a great yogurt, one that’s creamy and tart but not too tangy.  Go for full-fat for best flavor.
• Cucumbers - Slender Persian cucumbers are the best for this soup but you can also substitute English cucumbers.
• Mint - We'll use both fresh and dried mint.
• Raisins - Dried golden raisins add a touch of sweetness.
• Walnuts - Walnuts are a traditional part of Persian yogurt soup.
• Rosewater and Rose Petals - I like a drop of rosewater to the soup and a few crushed dried rose petals but you can leave them out if you can’t find them. 

How to Make Persian Yogurt Soup:

(Here are the basic steps and some helpful tips on how to make the recipe.  Find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

1. You'll start by whisking the yogurt with enough ice water to get a loose but not runny consistency.
2. Next you'll stir in the very finely chopped cucumber, both kinds of mint and the rosewater if you're using it.
3. Add in the golden raisins and walnuts and refrigerate until very cold (at least an hour).
4. When ready to serve give everything a stir and serve in bowls or glasses sprinkled with the dried rose petals and more chopped cucumber for garnish.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to any warm weather meal, every spoonful cooling and refreshing and I do hope you’ll try it.

More Chilled Soups:

• Chilled Tomato Soup
• Chilled Zucchini Basil Soup
• Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup

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Yield: 4 Servings

Persian Yogurt Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Discover the refreshing flavors of Persian Yogurt Soup with cucumber and mint. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and healthy starter.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups/114ml plain yogurt (I like goat’s milk yogurt here)
• ½ – ¾ cup/ 120ml to 180ml ice water (depending on how thick your yogurt is)
• 3 small Persian cucumbers, peeled, seeded and finely diced (plus more for garnish if desired)
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 Tablespoon dried mint 
• ¼ teaspoon rose water (optional)
• ¼ to ½ tsp sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• ¼ cup/ 40g golden raisins 
• ¼ cup/28g finely chopped walnuts
• 1-2 Tablespoons dried rose petals, crushed (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt with enough ice water to get a loose but not runny consistency.
2. Stir in the finely chopped cucumber, both kinds of mint and rosewater if using and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Gently stir in the golden raisins and walnuts. Cover and refrigerate until very cold (at least an hour).
4. Stir and add extra ice water to thin if necessary.
5. Serve in bowls, sprinkled with the dried rose petals and extra chopped cucumber if desired.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  California Jumbo Golden Raisins, 1.5 Pounds – Seedless, Sun-Dried, No Added Oil, No Added Sugar, Kosher, Vegan, Raw, Bulk
• 
  Cortas - Rose Flower Water, 10 Oz

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 102mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 4g

Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.

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Sylvie

Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.