A Refreshing Summer Treat: Traditional Ayran Aşı (Cold Yogurt Soup)
A Refreshing Summer Treat: Traditional Ayran Aşı (Cold Yogurt Soup)
If you’re looking for a refreshing, light, and satisfying dish for a hot summer day, this traditional Ayran Aşı (Cold Yogurt Soup) is the perfect choice. Made with the wonderful combination of cracked wheat, chickpeas, and yogurt, this soup is easy to prepare and will be on your table in no time.
Ingredients:
2 cups yogurt (approx. 400 ml)
4 cups water (approx. 1 liter)
2 cups cooked dövme (coarse-cracked wheat, also known as aşurelik buğday)
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1 tablespoon dried mint
Salt to taste
Plenty of ice cubes for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Yogurt Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt. Slowly add the 4 cups of cold water, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. The consistency should be similar to that of a smooth yogurt drink (
ayran). - Add the Main Ingredients: To the prepared yogurt base, add the pre-cooked dövme and chickpeas. Stir in the dried mint and add salt to your taste.
- Mix and Chill: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon. It’s best to let the soup chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Just before serving, pour the soup into bowls. Add plenty of ice cubes to each bowl to ensure it is refreshingly cold. You can adjust the amount of ice based on your preference.
Enjoy your meal!
Tips:
- Add the ice cubes just before serving to prevent them from melting and watering down the soup.
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can garnish the soup with finely chopped fresh dill or mint.
- The quantities are a guide; feel free to adjust the ratio of water to yogurt to achieve your desired consistency.
