Mast-o Khiar (Persian Cucumber and Herb Yogourt): February 2020, Week 1

The dish was beautifully decorated with saffron, roses and herbs by one of the Persian volunteers...exquisite!!

Prep Time: 20 mins                    Cook Time:  0                 Yield: 4 cups Ingredients: Resource from https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020213-mast-o-khiar-persian-cucumber-and-herb-yogurt

¼ cup black or golden raisins

3 Persian cucumbers (about 1/2 pound)

24 ounces Greek yogurt or labneh (3 cups)

2 tablespoons any combination of finely chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, tarragon or dill

1 garlic clove, finely grated or pounded into a smooth paste with a pinch of salt

Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

¾ teaspoon ground or crumbled dried rose petals (optional)

1 teaspoon dried mint

1 teaspoon dried dill

3 tablespoons roughly chopped toasted walnut pieces

Garnish: Crushed Rose Petals

Preparation: In a small bowl, submerge the raisins in boiling water to plump for 10 minutes, then drain well. Remove alternating stripes of peel on cucumbers and trim ends. Dice cucumbers into 1/4-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with raisins, yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using your fingers to break up any large pieces, gently grind the dried mint and dried dill into the bowl. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Just before serving, stir in the walnuts and transfer to serving bowl. Garnish with remaining rose petals, if using. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.