Abdoogh khiar (Persian Cold Cucumber Yogurt Soup)

Abdoogh khiar, also known as Cold Cucumber Yogurt Soup, is a refreshing and cool dish ideal for hot summer days.

Two beautifully presented green bowls of abdoogh khiar, garnished with fresh basil and rose buds.

I grew up eating this in Iran after long days of playing outside as a little girl and coming back inside to a cold bowl waiting on the table. Light, cooling, and full of fresh flavors, it’s one of those recipes that instantly reminds me of summer.

There are many ways to make abdoogh khiar depending on family tradition, but this is how I make it at home. For this version, I used Abali yogurt soda, which gives it that signature tangy flavor. You can usually find it at your local Middle Eastern market, if you can’t find it, you can make a simple version at home by mixing plain yogurt with cold seltzer water until light and pourable.

Abdoogh Khiar Ingredients

• 3 small Persian cucumbers with skin diced very small.

• 2 cups of greek yogurt

• ¼ cup chopped basil

• ¼ cup chopped mint

• 2 radishes diced very small

• 1/3 cup of walnuts chopped very small

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ cup raisins

• 16 oz Abali Yogurt Soda

• 1 cup ice cubes

• 1-2 cups of crushed toasted lavash bread

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Garnish:

• Pistachios

• Dried Rose buds

Abdoogh khiar Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables and herbs

   Wash and finely dice the Persian cucumbers and radishes. Finely chop the basil, mint, and walnuts.

   
   

2. Build the yogurt base

   In a large bowl, add the Greek yogurt and whisk until smooth.

   
   

3. Mix everything together

   Add the cucumbers, radishes, basil, mint, walnuts, raisins, salt, and black pepper to the yogurt and stir until evenly combined.

   
   

4. Add the yogurt soda

   Slowly pour in the Abali yogurt soda and gently stir until incorporated. The consistency should be cold, creamy, and pourable.

   
   

5. Finish and chill

   Add the ice cubes and mix again. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   
   

6. Serve

   Pour into bowls and top with crushed toasted lavash right before serving for crunch.

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Final Thoughts

Abdoogh khiar is simple, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. The combination of cool yogurt, fresh herbs, crunchy cucumbers, and toasted lavash makes every bite light and satisfying.

Serve immediately and enjoy cold.