Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt
Crisp grated cucumber folded into thick Lebanese yogurt with dried mint and a clove of crushed garlic — the cool white counterpoint to every grilled plate and the simplest thing the Lebanese kitchen does perfectly.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 400 g thick Lebanese yogurt or labneh
- 2 medium (about 250g) Lebanese cucumbers
- 1 large, crushed to a paste garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp dried mint
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (for serving) olive oil
Instructions
- Grate the cucumbers coarsely. Toss with a pinch of salt and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly in your hands or in a clean kitchen towel — remove as much liquid as possible. The cucumber should be nearly dry.
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, drained cucumber, crushed garlic, dried mint, and salt. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust salt and garlic.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch more dried mint on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving — the garlic and mint need time to bloom into the yogurt.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt?
Crisp grated cucumber folded into thick Lebanese yogurt with dried mint and a clove of crushed garlic — the cool white counterpoint to every grilled plate and the simplest thing the Lebanese kitchen does perfectly.
Where is Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt from?
Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt comes from Lebanese Mountains. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt vegetarian?
As written, Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of dried mint in Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt?
The dried mint called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt?
In a Lebanese salads spread, Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt is served as a fresh side to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a mezze spread, and pairs well with warm bread.
Can I make Khiyar bil Laban — Cucumber Yogurt ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.