Doogh Persian Yogurt Drink – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 6, 2023 | Last Updated on October 6, 2023

Imagine a hot, sun-drenched day in the heart of Persia. Your thirst is quenched not by ordinary water, but by a refreshing, tangy, and flavorful drink known as Doogh. It’s more than just a traditional Persian yogurt beverage; it’s a centuries-old elixir that has been cooling down the Iranian populace while tantalizing their taste buds. Our recipe masterfully combines yogurt, mint, and sparkling water – simple ingredients that when mixed, create a powerful symphony of flavors.

Ideal as a cooling accompaniment to a hearty meal or a revitalizing standalone beverage, this Doogh recipe is not just about creating a drink, but about experiencing a slice of Iranian culture. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be transported to the vibrant landscapes of Persia as you craft this delicious and thirst-quenching drink.

What is a doogh Persian yogurt drink?

Doogh is a traditional Persian yogurt drink that has been around for centuries. It is made by combining plain yogurt, sparkling water, and some herbs like mint. Doogh makes an incredibly refreshing beverage that can be served with almost any meal. The natural tartness of the yogurt pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carbonated water to create a unique flavor experience.

The drink is often enjoyed with salty dishes like Kebab or fish, as the tartness of Doogh helps to balance out the richness of the meal. It is also highly nutritious due to its high protein content and low sugar content, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. Additionally, doogh has a cooling effect on the body which makes it perfect for hot summer days.

Why You’ll Love this doogh Persian yogurt drink?

There are many reasons to love Doogh. Its unique combination of tangy, refreshing, and slightly savory flavors makes it an incredibly satisfying drink. Whether you’re looking for a cool respite from a hot day or a palate-cleansing accompaniment to a rich meal, Doogh fits the bill.

Moreover, Doogh isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious. The yogurt base provides a wealth of probiotics, beneficial for gut health and digestion. Moreover, when ingredients like cucumbers and herbs are added, the drink becomes an even more potent source of vitamins and nutrients.

Finally, the versatility of Doogh is another reason to love it. It can be easily customized to suit individual tastes, with adjustments in the amount of water for consistency, choice of herbs for flavor, and addition of optional ingredients. Whether you prefer it thicker or thinner, fizzier or still, with a strong mint flavor or a subtle hint of herbs, you can make your Doogh just the way you like it.

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Ingredients 

• Ice: Ice is crucial for serving Doogh. It ensures that the drink is chilled and refreshing, which is especially important as Doogh is often consumed during warm weather or as a cool complement to spicy dishes.
• Water: Water is used to dilute the yogurt, giving Doogh its characteristic light and drinkable consistency. The amount of water can be adjusted depending on personal preference for thickness.
• Dried Mint or Fresh Mint Leaves: Mint is a key flavor in Doogh. It gives the drink its refreshing and distinctive taste. While dried mint provides a concentrated flavor, fresh mint leaves offer a brighter and more vibrant taste.
• Yogurt (Whole Milk): Yogurt is the base of Doogh. It gives the drink its tangy flavor and creamy texture. Whole milk yogurt is often used for its rich and full flavor, but low-fat or non-dairy alternatives can also be used.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a slight savory note, which balances the tanginess of the yogurt and the sweetness of any added ingredients.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are an optional ingredient that can add a crisp, refreshing flavor and texture. They also contribute to the health benefits of the drink, as cucumbers are known for their hydrating properties and high vitamin content.
• Dried Rose Petals: Dried rose petals, when used, give Doogh a subtle floral note, adding complexity to the flavor profile of the drink. This is an optional ingredient and can be adjusted according to taste.
• Dried Basil: Another optional ingredient, dried basil can add a hint of sweetness and a slightly earthy flavor to Doogh, complementing the tangy yogurt and refreshing mint.
• Dried Celery: Dried celery or celery salt can give Doogh a savory depth, balancing the tanginess of the yogurt and the sweetness of any added ingredients. This is also an optional ingredient.
• Additional Mint: More mint, either fresh or dried, can be added for a stronger mint flavor. This is entirely up to personal preference.

Directions 

Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt Drink Mixture

1. In a blender, gather the following ingredients:
   • Yogurt
   • Water
   • Mint (dried or fresh)
   • Salt
   • Any other optional ingredients if you want to add for flavor.
2. Combine the measured amounts of yogurt, water, mint, salt, and any optional ingredients in the blender.
3. Blend the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and the mixture becomes smooth. This typically takes a few moments.

Step 2: Assemble the Drink

4. Take out some glasses and fill them with ice cubes. The ice cubes will help keep the yogurt drink chilled.
5. Once the mixture in the blender is smooth and well incorporated, carefully pour it into the glasses with the ice cubes. Ensure that you distribute it evenly among the glasses.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

6. To enhance the presentation and flavor, garnish the yogurt drink with additional mint leaves or any other garnish of your choice. This step adds a refreshing touch to your drink.
7. Serve the yogurt drink immediately while it’s nicely chilled. It’s a delightful and refreshing beverage, perfect for any time of the day.

Notes

1. Don’t forget to add salt, as it helps to balance out the flavors of the drink.
2. For a thicker consistency, adjust the ratio of yogurt and water as desired.
3. Feel free to customize your Doogh with your choice of herbs and optional ingredients for even more flavor!
4. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment!

Storage Tips 

Doogh is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, but it can also be stored for later enjoyment. To store Doogh, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The yogurt drink should be kept for up to 3 days if stored properly. For maximum freshness, Doogh should be consumed within 24-48 hours of making it.

When serving doogh after it has been stored, mix the drink to ensure that all its components are properly incorporated before serving. Taste the yogurt drink to check for flavor and add additional garnish or herbs if desired.

Nutrition Information 

Serving Suggestions 

• To make a vegan version of Doogh, opt for soy yogurt or another plant-based alternative as the base.
• The versatility of Doogh allows you to experiment with different herbs and ingredients – try adding honey for a sweeter flavor, or lime juice for an extra zing.
• Doogh also makes a great dessert – top it off with some dried fruit or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Add extra mint to make a Minty Doogh for even more refreshing goodness!

What other substitute can I use in the doogh Persian yogurt drink? 

If you can’t find or don’t have access to Persian yogurt, other alternatives that can be used as a substitute include Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt, almond milk yogurt, and oat milk yogurt. These substitutions will result in slightly different flavors from the traditional doogh recipe but still achieve the same creamy texture and light body of the original drink.

To make Doogh extra special, you can serve it with sides such as labneh (yogurt cheese dip), hummus, and warm pita bread. This combination makes a hearty and delicious meal that is sure to satisfy any craving!

If using a non-dairy substitute, it is important to note that the drink won’t have the same tanginess as yogurt. To compensate for this, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice for some acidity and tartness.

You can also add additional herbs and spices to further adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

Finally, if you’re looking for a plant-based version, you can use a dairy-free yogurt and swap the regular water for sparkling water or club soda for some added fizz.

FAQs

Conclusion

Doogh is a refreshing and flavorful Persian drink that can be customized to suit your preferences. With its simple ingredients of yogurt, water, mint, and salt (plus any additional flavorings such as herbs or cucumbers), it makes for an easy-to-make beverage. Whether you enjoy Doogh chilled in the summertime or warm during colder months, this drink sure to refresh and delight you. So why not give it a try?

Let us know how you like it in the comments below!

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