You may know yogurt as a breakfast or snack food in the U.S., but it has a longstanding role in traditional Persian food as well. If you dine at Persian restaurants or have an interest in trying their cuisine, you may enjoy learning why so many dishes incorporate it. The guide below explores its origins.

History of Yogurt Usage in Persian Food 

Known as "mast" or "maast," yogurt has been a staple Persian food for at least 500 years. It may have originated when Persians carried milk in goatskin bags, exposing the milk to the goat's bacteria and turning it into yogurt through fermentation. 

The locally grown plant known as "maast herb" may have also been used to make it. Either way, it was regarded as a divine food, especially when combined with honey. Some claimed that it could be credited for the prophet Abraham's long and productive life. 

Nutritional Benefits

Research has shown that yogurt does have many health-boosting properties. In addition to being rich in Vitamin D and calcium, the good bacteria contained with it has a positive effect on one's digestive health, benefiting those with gastrointestinal disorders. Overall, it is believed to support the immune system.

Persian Dishes Featuring Mast 

Whether sweet or sour, yogurt is omnipresent throughout Persian cuisine as an appetizer, dessert, or even smoothie. 

Mast mousier is a dish that combines yogurt with shallots. Mast kheyar mixes it with cucumber pieces, herbs, and sometimes other small foods, such as walnuts, raisins, or even rose petals. There's also mast spinach, a dip blending yogurt with cooked spinach and seasonings—often garlic. These are all scrumptious ways to whet your appetite for the main course in Persian dining. 

After dinner, consider treating yourself to sweet yogurt enhanced with other traditional Persian foods, such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, apricots, pomegranates, grapes, oranges, figs, dates, kiwis, or cherries. 

To enjoy yogurt and other Persian foods of the highest quality, visit Sufi's Kitchen in Atlanta, GA. From the appetizers to the entrees, desserts, and cocktails, they promise a memorable dining experience that you'll love to repeat over and over again. To make a reservation, call them today at (404) 888-9699. Review their menu online.