Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup (Ab Doogh Khiar Recipe)

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Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, called ab-doogh khiar served in a small pitcher

Ab doogh khiar is a refreshing cold yogurt soup made with a mixture of plain yogurt, fresh herbs, walnuts, and raisins. Many of the herbs used in this cool soup are the same ones found in sabzi khordan, the herb platter accompanying most Persian meals.

Enjoying ab doogh khiar on hot days has become a part of Iranian culture during the summer months. This refreshing cold soup not only provides cooling relief, but also serves as nutritious and hydrating meal, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Serve ab doogh khiar in a large bowl, topped with more dried mint and garnished with edible rose petals. You can offer pieces of crunchy bread, such as sangak or dried lavash, on the side or submerged in the soup.

I often enjoy abdoogh khiar as an afternoon savory drink before dinner. Unlike the traditional way of eating this tasty yogurt soup, I prefer to drink it with a thick straw. The savory ingredients make this refreshing soup feel like an indulgent treat.

close up image of a Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, called ab-doogh khiar served in a small pitcher with a gold spoon

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The Healthy Ingredients Used To Make This Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup (Ab Doogh Khiar)
The Harmony of Hot and Cold Properties in this Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup
FAQs: Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, Ab Dough Khiar
Did You Make the Recipe?
Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup (Ab Doogh Khiar Recipe)

The Healthy Ingredients Used To Make This Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup (Ab Doogh Khiar)

Fresh Herbs - fresh herbs are known to promote digestive health, and are a source of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. In my recipe for ab doogh khiar, I use a combination of dill, tarragon, Persian leek (replace with the green parts of green onions if you prefer), basil, and both fresh and dried mint. You can use any combination of fresh herbs that you have available.
Walnuts - considered one of the healthiest nuts, walnuts offer omega 3 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants and fiber
Raisins - add a touch of natural sweetness while also being high in antioxidants and fiber
Yogurt - is high in protein, and can provide probiotics as well as calcium. Any type of yogurt will work here, as long as it is unsweetened. I prefer to use a full fat yogurt.
Cucumbers - are a great source of hydration, and good for digestive and skin health. I use Persian cucumbers for my recipe. If you use big cucumbers such as English cucumbers, you can consider removing the skin of cucumbers. If your cucumbers have big seeds, I recommend scraping out the seeds.
Radishes - are a vibrant and crunchy addition, while also adding more antioxidants and fiber
Water and Cubes of Ice - We add water to the mixture to create a good consistency of the soup. You may add more or less depending on your preference. Ensure your soup is icy cold by adding ice cubes right before serving.
Bread - sangak, pita bread, or lavash, broken into small pieces. I recommend toasting softer bread before adding to the soup.

image of all of the ingredients used to make the Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, called ab-doogh khiar, the captions include "cucumber, Persian leek, basil, turnips, salt, tarragon, mint, dried mint, raisins, walnuts, yogurt, and dill".

Optional Additions:

Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a slightly warm sensation
Additional herbs: You can also add parsley, cilantro, or the green parts of green onions.
Cream: A splash of heavy cream adds richness
Creamy Buttermilk: Buttermilk can work as a substitute for some of the water in this recipe. Like yogurt, buttermilk has cooling properties.

See recipe card for quantities.

close up image of a Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, called ab-doogh khiar with a scoop of ice being added, and the caption "a generous amount of ice ensures that the soup stays cold".

Shortly before serving, add ice to the ab doogh khiar. The yogurt along with the ice helps the body cool during hot summer days.

close up image of a the chopped ingredients to make a Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, called ab-doogh khiar with the caption "the ingredients are diced or chopped".

Every family has a preference on how they prepare their ingredients for ab doogh khiar. For families with younger children, like mine, I prefer to cut everything into small pieces.

The Harmony of Hot and Cold Properties in this Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup

Balancing hot and cold foods in Persian cuisine is very important in achieving harmony in the body. Cold and hot do not refer to the temperature of the food, but rather the effect it has on our bodies. For example, "cold foods" are said to have a cooling, calming effect. On the other hand, "hot foods" can bring warmth and act as a stimulant. According to the Persian culture, it is important to maintain a balance between the two.

During the hot summer months, we tend to eat more cold foods. Therefore, most of the ingredients for ab doogh khiar are considered to be cold. For example, yogurt, cucumbers, and the fresh herbs are cold foods. To bring a little bit of balance to the dish, we add some walnuts, which is considered to be a hot food.

close up image of a Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, called ab-doogh khiar served in a small pitcher with a gold straw

FAQs: Refreshing Persian Cold Yogurt Soup, Ab Dough Khiar

What is the best type of yogurt to use for ab doogh khiar?

Any type of plain, unsweetened yogurt can be used to make ab doogh khiar. Unless there is a dietary restriction, I avoid using nonfat or low-fat yogurts. I think a good quality, full-fat yogurt is the best choice.

Can I use a food processor or blender to make ab doogh khiar?

Yes, a food processor can make the process of chopping the ingredients a lot faster. When I am making a big batch, I always use a food processor to chop the herbs, then add the walnuts and radishes to the food processor separately.

How long should I chill the ab doogh khiar before serving?

I allow the soup to chill for at least one hour in the refrigerator.

Can ab doogh khiar be made ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. However, if you are planning on keeping it longer than 1 or 2 days, I recommend replacing the fresh mint with some more dried mint. Fresh mint has a tendency to get dark and bitter after awhile.

What is the best consistency for the ab doogh khiar?

Depending on how you prepare the ingredients, the consistency of this cold soup can vary. Using a food processor can create a smoother overall consistency if that is what your preference is. Traditionally, each of the ingredients brings their own flavor and texture to the soup.

Can I substitute ingredients for ab doogh khiar?

You can substitute the herbs, but the walnuts, raisins, and yogurt are staples in this traditional Iranian savory recipe.

What is the traditional way to serve ab doogh khiar?

The traditional way to serve this refreshing cold yogurt soup is in a large bowl, with individual small bowls for serving. The top of the soup is decorated with more dried mint and dried edible rose petals. Pieces of bread, such as sangak, dried lavash, or pita bread accompanies this soup.

Can I freeze this soup?

Unlike most hot soups, cold soups with fresh herbs are not ideal for freezing. The consistency of the cucumbers and the herbs will not be desirable.

Did You Make the Recipe?

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave a comment and star rating below. You can also pin my recipe on Pinterest or share your creation on Instagram by tagging me @mulberryblvd. Thank you.