Haydari is a thick and creamy Turkish yogurt dip made with strained yogurt (Greek yogurt), garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a popular meze served alongside other appetizers and pairs perfectly with bread, grilled meats, or vegetables. Haydari is simple to make, refreshing, and full of flavor, making it a great addition to any meal.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cups thick Greek yogurt (or strained Turkish yogurt)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- A sprinkle of paprika or sumac (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt: If using regular yogurt, strain it in a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve for at least 1 hour to remove excess liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the strained yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, fresh mint, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Dried Mint (Optional): If you like a more intense mint flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dried mint to the mixture and stir well.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the haydari and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or garlic if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the haydari to a serving dish. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil on top and garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or sumac. Serve with warm pita bread, grilled vegetables, or as part of a meze platter.
Things to Consider
- Yogurt Type: Thick, strained yogurt (Turkish yogurt) works best for this recipe as it provides a rich, creamy texture. If using regular yogurt, make sure to strain it to remove excess water.
- Herb Variations: Dill and mint are the traditional herbs used in haydari, but you can also experiment with parsley or chives for a different flavor profile.
Tips
- Making Ahead: Haydari can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it even more delicious when served chilled.
- Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of garlic cloves or use roasted garlic instead of raw.
- Serving Ideas: Haydari pairs wonderfully with fresh or grilled vegetables, pita bread, or even as a dip for crackers. It’s also a great side to grilled kebabs or meat dishes.
This Haydari recipe is a refreshing and flavorful yogurt dip that adds a creamy, garlicky touch to any meze spread. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Afiyet olsun!