Arab Mint Yogurt Sauce

If you enjoy the tang of yogurt, the coolness of cucumber, with a wallop of garlic and mint, this Arab Yogurt Mint Sauce is just the thing. Served alongside Arab dishes such as grilled meats, rice and chicken dishes and as a dip for pita bread, it’s so easy and gives you an authentic taste of Arab cuisine.

Arab Mint Yogurt Sauce (“Khyar bi laban”) 

1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (not Greek)

1/2 English cucumber, finely diced (with skin on)

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint (or half mint and half parsley)

2 cloves garlic, finely mashed and diced

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

-Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir and let chill in fridge for 30 minutes.

-Khyar bi laban is served with various Arab and Middle Eastern dishes, particularly grilled meats like kebabs and kofta, and with rice dishes. It is also commonly served as a dip with bread, or as a side salad with other dishes such as stuffed vegetables or lentil dishes. 

-Recipes on this site that love the addition of Khyar bi laban on the side:

Shish Ta Wouk: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/shish-ta-wook-lebanese-chicken-kabobs?rq=Shish

Kefta wa Batata: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/middle-eastern-meatballs

Kousa: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/stuffed-kousa-meat-amp-rice-filled-zucchini?rq=Kousa

Mujadara: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/mujadara-arab-lentils-amp-rice?rq=Mujadara

Lubia: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/middle-eastern-green-beans-wtomatoes-amp-onions?rq=Lubia

Hashwi: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/hashwi?rq=Hashwi

Shwarma: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/chicken-schwarma-bowl?rq=Shawarma%20Bowl

Musakhan: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/palestinian-chicken-and-onions-musakhan

Maklube: https://www.persnicketypanhandler.com/blog/chicken-maklube?rq=Maklube

So easy, just chop fresh mint, garlic and cumcumber and stir into the yogurt along with lemon juice, salt and pepper and a splash of olive oil.

Chill mixture for at least 30 minutes, stir again and then serve garnished with mint leaves.

Serve Yogurt Mint Sauce as a dip for khoubiz or pita bread.

So refreshing with a bit of zip to it. Great alongside meat, rice and lentil dishes. As they say in Arabic - “Mumtaz” (compliments to the chef)!