Chilled Persian Yogurt Soup
A refreshing, tangy chilled yogurt soup with cucumber, raisins, garlic, walnuts, and dill, perfect for hot days and light, healthy meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the yogurt in an electric mixer or with a rotary beater.
- Combine the yogurt, cucumber, raisins, and garlic with one cup of cold water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- When ready to serve, add the walnuts and dill to the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can blend the cucumber into the yogurt instead of grating it. If you prefer a sweeter note, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors. To enhance the dish, experiment with fresh herbs like mint or parsley alongside dill. If you can't find seedless raisins, regular ones work fine, just chop them smaller.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chilled soup in bowls garnished with additional walnuts and dill for a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with warm Cheese Triangles 1(Tiropetes) or a fresh salad like Stacey'S Olive Salad for a light meal. Consider offering warm pita bread on the side for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served cold. If you must reheat, do so gently on low heat, but keep in mind that the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Persian Yogurt Soup contains roughly 658 calories, with 13g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. The chilled flavors develop beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I use if I can't find fresh dill?
If fresh dill is unavailable, you can substitute with dried dill, using about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe. Alternatively, fresh parsley or mint can add a different but delicious flavor profile to the soup.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe is not vegan due to the use of yogurt. However, you can easily substitute plain dairy yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version. Just ensure it's unsweetened for the best flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).