Doogh
Doogh Recipe from Persia: Yogurt, Mint, Pennyroyal, Salt, Black Pepper
Introduction
Doogh is a traditional Persian drink that is popular in many Middle Eastern countries. It is a refreshing and tangy yogurt-based drink that is perfect for hot summer days.
History
Doogh has been enjoyed in the Middle East for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Persia, where it was traditionally made with yogurt, water, and dried mint. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, with some people adding herbs like pennyroyal for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of yogurt
- 2-3 glasses of water
- 1 tsp of dried mint
- 1 tsp of dried pennyroyal (optional)
- salt
- black pepper (optional)
How to prepare
- Beat the yogurt until it becomes smooth.
- Add the mint, pennyroyal, salt, and black pepper, and mix them well.
- Gradually add water to the yogurt while mixing. Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired thickness.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Mix the mixture again before serving.
Variations
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tanginess.
- Use fresh mint instead of dried mint for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add a pinch of ground cumin for a Middle Eastern twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to beat the yogurt until it is smooth to ensure a creamy texture.
- Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired thickness of the drink.
- Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Mix the drink again before serving to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
Serving Suggestions
Doogh is best served chilled, with a few ice cubes to keep it cold. It pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, and salads.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a good doogh is to beat the yogurt until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the water while mixing to achieve the desired consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have pennyroyal, you can omit it from the recipe. You can also use fresh mint instead of dried mint.
Make Ahead Tips
Doogh can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve doogh in tall glasses with a sprig of mint for garnish. You can also add a sprinkle of sumac on top for extra flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Doogh pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, and salads. It is also a great accompaniment to spicy foods, as the yogurt helps to cool the palate.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Doogh can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture may change.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of doogh typically contains around 50-100 calories, depending on the amount of yogurt and water used.
Carbohydrates
Doogh is a low-carb drink, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the yogurt and herbs.
Fats
Doogh is a low-fat drink, with most of the fat coming from the yogurt.
Proteins
Doogh is a good source of protein, thanks to the yogurt.
Vitamins and minerals
Doogh is rich in calcium, which is important for bone health. It also contains vitamins like B12 and riboflavin.
Alergens
Doogh contains dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Summary
Doogh is a nutritious and refreshing drink that is low in calories and fat, but high in protein and calcium.
Summary
Doogh is a delicious and refreshing yogurt-based drink that is perfect for hot summer days. With its tangy flavor and creamy texture, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Doogh. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Iran. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had learned the recipe from her own mother and she passed it down to me with great pride.
I remember watching in awe as my grandmother effortlessly mixed together yogurt, water, dried mint, and a pinch of salt to create this refreshing and tangy drink. She would then pour the mixture into a large pitcher and add ice cubes before serving it with a sprinkle of dried rose petals on top.
As I grew older, I became more and more intrigued by the art of cooking and I began to spend more time in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching her cook and learning her recipes. I would often ask her questions about the ingredients she used and the techniques she employed, and she would patiently explain everything to me, never once getting frustrated with my endless curiosity.
One day, as I was helping my grandmother prepare lunch for the family, I asked her if she would teach me how to make Doogh. She smiled and handed me a wooden spoon, telling me to mix the yogurt and water together while she added the dried mint and salt. I followed her instructions carefully, making sure to stir everything until it was well combined.
As we sat down to eat, my grandmother poured the Doogh into glasses and handed one to me. I took a sip and was instantly transported back to my childhood, when I would sit on the porch with my grandmother on hot summer days, sipping on a glass of this delicious drink.
From that day on, I made it a point to learn as much as I could from my grandmother about cooking. I would spend hours in the kitchen with her, watching her cook and helping her prepare meals for our family. She would teach me about the different herbs and spices she used, the importance of using fresh ingredients, and the love and care that went into every dish she made.
Over the years, I have taken my grandmother's recipes and made them my own, adding my own twist to each dish while still keeping the traditions and flavors of our family alive. And now, as I sit here making Doogh for my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me and the memories we shared in the kitchen.
As I pour the Doogh into glasses and sprinkle dried rose petals on top, I can almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through the recipe, her smile lighting up the room as she watches me carry on her legacy. And as my grandchildren take their first sip of this delicious drink, I know that the tradition of cooking and sharing recipes with loved ones will continue for generations to come.