description Mast-o-Khiar Overview
Mast-o-Khiar is an Iranian side dish made from yogurt (mast) combined with diced or grated cucumber (khiar), seasoned with dried mint, salt, and sometimes garlic or ground walnuts. Some regional variations include shallots, rose petals, or raisins. The dish is served chilled alongside rice dishes (polo), kebabs, and stews (khoresh) in Persian cuisine. Mast-o-Khiar is related to similar yogurt and cucumber preparations found throughout the region, including Turkish cacık, Greek tzatziki, and Bulgarian tarator.
help Mast-o-Khiar FAQ
What does mast-o-khiar mean in Persian?
Mast means yogurt and khiar means cucumber, so the name literally identifies the dish's two essential ingredients. Dried mint and salt are common additions.
How is mast-o-khiar different from tzatziki?
Both combine yogurt and cucumber, but tzatziki commonly includes garlic, olive oil, and an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice or vinegar. Everyday mast-o-khiar can be as simple as plain yogurt, cucumber, dried mint, and salt.
Are raisins and walnuts traditional in mast-o-khiar?
They are established optional additions rather than requirements. Some Persian families also garnish the dish with dried rose petals, while others serve a plain three-ingredient version.
What should mast-o-khiar be served with?
It is served chilled beside Persian rice dishes, stews, and grilled meats such as kebabs. It can also be presented with flatbread as a dip.
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