Yogurt is always served as a refreshing side with curries, kebabs, rice, or baked kibbeh, either plain or with a garnish. Here it is mixed with rehydrated dried elephant garlic (known as musir in Farsi) to produce a rather pungent side to serve with kebabs. In kebab restaurants in Iran, you just order the kebab you want then go to a buffet laid on the side to help yourself to yogurt with musir or cucumbers, fresh herbs, and crudités before returning to your table to wait for your kebabs to be served with rice.
SERVES 4 TO 6
INGREDIENTS
- 3 1/2 ounces (100 g) dried Persian elephant garlic
- 2 cups (500 g) yogurt
- Sea salt and finely ground black pepper
- Iranian Flatbread
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put the garlic in a small pot. Add water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Spread over a clean kitchen towel to dry. Finely chop the garlic.
- Put the yogurt in a bowl. Add the chopped garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve slightly chilled with the bread.
