Haydari (Turkish Yoghurt Dip)
For the advanced cook, this is beautiful if made right.A creamy, tangy dip made with thick yoghurt, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and walnuts. Perfect as a starter or side dish with bread or vegetables.
Serves: 4
Cuisine: Turkish / Mediterranean
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Approx. Energy: 630 kJ per serve (151 kcal)
Ingredients
- 75 g feta cheese
- 200 g thick natural yoghurt (preferably Greek-style or strained)
- 1 garlic clove, crushed into a paste with a pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 40 g walnuts, finely chopped
- 25 g unsalted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
- ½ teaspoon dried mint
- ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Mash the feta:
Place the feta in a bowl and mash it with a fork until smooth. - Infuse the butter (or oil):
In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. Add the dried mint and chilli flakes (if using) and let it infuse for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. - Mix the dip:
Add the yoghurt, garlic paste, chopped dill, chopped walnuts, and infused butter to the mashed feta. Stir everything until well combined. - Serve:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of chilli flakes or a drizzle of olive oil. - Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours develop.
Tips & Notes
- No thick yoghurt? Strain regular plain yoghurt in a muslin cloth or fine sieve for a few hours to remove excess liquid.
- Nut-free version: Simply leave out the walnuts for a smoother texture.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Not suitable for freezing, as the texture may become watery when defrosted
Nutrition
Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 163IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 1mg
Recipe from Cooking Gorgeous