Laban bi Khiyar (Lebanese Yoghurt & Cucumber Soup)
Laban bi Khiyar (Lebanese Yoghurt & Cucumber Soup)
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Author:
Sharon Flynn
Servings
4
The lightest, most refreshing soup imaginable - almost like a drinkable tzatziki. This Lebanese classic is wonderfully simple, with just five ingredients that come together in minutes. The dried mint gives it a distinctive character that's quite different from the dried and/or fresh herbs used in my other yoghurt soup recipes. Another cold nourishing, living food great for the middle or end of a hot day.
Note:Â This soup is even better the next day when the mint has really infused through. Some people like to add a crushed ice cube or two right before serving for extra chill factor.
Variation:Â For a thinner, more drinkable version (perfect for hot afternoons), add more water and serve in glasses with ice. I do like to do this on busy days when I can't stop for lunch - I have a bowl ready in the fridge and pour it out and sip while i work. (Yes I know you shouldn't work and eat...). x
Ingredients
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3 cups plain yogurt or milk kefir
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2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
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2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
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2 tablespoons dried mint (not fresh - dried is traditional and tastes completely different)
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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½ cup ice water
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Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Optional additions:
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A handful of fresh mint leaves
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A few ice cubes
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Pinch of dried rose petals
Directions
If your cucumbers are very watery, dice them and let them sit in a colander with a pinch of salt for 15 minutes, then gently squeeze out excess liquid.
In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the diced cucumber, crushed garlic, dried mint, and salt.
Add ice water gradually until you reach a soup-like consistency. It should be pourable but still have body.
Taste and adjust salt. The dried mint flavour will intensify as it sits.
Chill for at least 30 minutes, though it's lovely served immediately if you're in a hurry.
Serve in shallow bowls with a generous drizzle of olive oil and perhaps a few fresh mint leaves if you have them.
Enjoy in a bowl or a glass - whatever way you like.Â
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