Borani-e Khiar (Cucumber, Walnut and Yogurt Salad)
This refreshing salad calls for using drained yogurt, or labneh, a popular ingredient in Persian cooking and one that is easy to make at home. Line a fine-mesh strainer with two layers of cheesecloth, and spoon the yogurt into the strainer. Set the strainer in a bowl or sink…
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This refreshing salad calls for using drained yogurt, or labneh, a popular ingredient in Persian cooking and one that is easy to make at home. Line a fine-mesh strainer with two layers of cheesecloth, and spoon the yogurt into the strainer. Set the strainer in a bowl or sink with a drain. Alternatively, you can cover the yogurt with several layers of paper towels, which absorb the excess liquid in the yogurt, and place the bowl in a larger container or sink to catch the drips. For a thicker yogurt, change the towels often, and repeat for several hours. When ready, the drained yogurt will have the consistency of cream cheese. Already-drained yogurt, Persian cucumbers and edible organic rose petals are sold at Middle Eastern markets. Use only fresh rose petals. Combining the raisins with the rose petals imparts a rose fragrance to the raisins. Note: The recipe analysis does not include the bread.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup fresh, organic rose petals
- 2 1/2 cups drained plain whole yogurt, or labneh
- 1/2 cup sour cream, optional
- 1 seedless English cucumber, or 3 Persian cucumbers, peeled and very thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh dill weed
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves
- 1 clove garlic, crushed, peeled and finely grated
- 2 red radishes, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 1 pkg. toasted flatbread, such as pita, lavash, sangak or barbary
Preparation
1. Combine raisins and rose petals in small container, cover and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until ready to serve.
2. Combine yogurt, sour cream, if using, cucumbers, scallions, mint leaves, Thai basil leaves, dill weed, tarragon leaves, garlic, radishes, and salt and pepper in serving bowl. Mix thoroughly, and adjust seasonings to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
3. To serve, add walnuts, raisins and rose petals, stir well and serve with flatbread.
Nutrition Information
- Calories 320
- Carbohydrate Content 34 g
- Cholesterol Content 30 mg
- Fat Content 16 g
- Fiber Content 3 g
- Protein Content 13 g
- Saturated Fat Content 6 g
- Sodium Content 1290 mg
- Sugar Content 26 g