Are you in search of a versatile and refreshing dish that you can serve as a side or a main course? Look no further than the Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad! It’s the perfect addition to any summer meal, and it’s easy to make at home. Let me share with you the story of how I acquired this amazing recipe, as well as a step-by-step guide and serving suggestions. Let’s begin!
It was a warm summer night in San Francisco. My co-worker and I found ourselves in a bustling Middle Eastern restaurant. The aroma of exotic spices filled the air, and the sound of lively conversation echoed through the room. As we perused the menu, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of trying new and exotic flavors.
Our meal was going smoothly until one of the cooks accidentally set off the fire alarm. The piercing sound startled everyone in the restaurant, causing a momentary panic. But as the cooks rushed to remedy the situation, an old woman emerged from the kitchen carrying a bowl of something green and creamy.
She set the bowl down on our table and gestured for us to try it. It was a Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad, and it was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The cool, refreshing taste of cucumber was perfectly balanced by the tangy, creamy flavor of the yogurt. And the hint of garlic and mint added a subtle kick that left me wanting more.
As we savored the salad, I couldn’t help but ask the old woman for the recipe. At first, she seemed hesitant, but after some convincing, she eventually agreed to share her recipe with me. And so, armed with a list of ingredients and a newfound appreciation for Middle Eastern cuisine, I set out to recreate the salad in my kitchen the next day.
To make this salad, you’ll need 1 cup of whole milk yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 pieces of cucumbers, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/3 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of dried mint. Begin by peeling garlic cloves and dicing the cucumbers, and then mix them with the yogurt, salt, and minced garlic. Stir in the water and dried mint, and serve the salad at room temperature.
As I took my first bite of the finished product, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the cool, refreshing taste of the cucumbers was a welcome relief on a hot summer day.
If you’re looking to serve this dish as part of a larger meal, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables. And for an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of sumac on top.
Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that you can serve as a side or a main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve it with:
- Grilled meats: the cool and creamy yogurt sauce pairs well with grilled meats such as lamb, chicken, or beef. Serve the salad alongside your favorite grilled meat for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pita bread: you can enjoy Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad as a light and healthy lunch or snack when served with warm pita bread. Simply cut the pita bread into wedges and use it to scoop up the salad.
- Falafel: another popular Middle Eastern dish that pairs well with cucumber yogurt salad is falafel. The crispy and savory falafel balls go well with the cool and refreshing salad. You can serve the salad as a side or add it to your falafel wrap for a burst of flavor and texture.
- Rice: the yogurt sauce in the salad can also be used as a dressing for rice. Simply mix the salad with some cooked rice and enjoy it as a light and healthy rice bowl.
- Grilled vegetables: if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad goes well with grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or peppers. The creamy yogurt sauce provides a nice contrast to the smoky and charred flavors of the grilled vegetables.
Here is how I create the Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 pieces of cucumbers
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/3 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of dried mint
How to make Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad?
- To crush the garlic cloves, start by peeling them and removing any green shoots. Then, sprinkle some salt on top of the cloves. This helps to draw out the moisture and makes them easier to crush.
- Next, place the garlic cloves in a mortar and use a pestle to crush them into a paste. This will release the flavor and aroma of the garlic and create a smooth texture. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can also use a garlic press or the flat side of a knife to crush the garlic.
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Then, chop them into small bite-sized pieces. You can also slice them thinly if you prefer.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, crushed garlic, and water. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Add the chopped cucumbers to the bowl and mix well with the yogurt and garlic mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together until the cucumbers are well-coated with the yogurt sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle dried mint on top of the mixture. This will add a fresh, herbaceous flavor and aroma to the dish. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil on top to add richness and depth of flavor. Serve the dish chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and healthy side dish or snack.
Thank you for reading my guide on how to make Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad. I hope you found the recipe and serving suggestions helpful and that you enjoy making and eating this delicious and refreshing dish. Middle Eastern cuisine has a lot to offer, and this salad is just one example of the rich and diverse flavors that can be found in the region. Happy cooking!
