Cucumber Mint Laban Drink | Middle Eastern Savoury Yoghurt Drink – with step by step photos, description and video of the recipe is here. This savoury yogurt drink from Middle East is much needed for the hot summer days. Here is a simple recipe of laban drink flavoured with fresh cucumber and mint.
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Refreshing Delight: Cucumber Mint Laban Drink
In the scorching heat of summer, nothing can beat the sweltering sun better than a cool and refreshing drink. And when it comes to quenching your thirst and soothing your senses, the Cucumber Mint Laban Drink stands out as a true winner. Originating from the Middle East, this delightful concoction combines the goodness of yogurt, the freshness of cucumber, and the aromatic touch of mint to create a drink that is not only rejuvenating but also nutritious. Let’s dive into the world of Cucumber Mint Laban and explore what makes it so special.
A Brief Introduction to Laban Drink:
Laban, also known as Ayran in some regions, is a traditional Middle Eastern yogurt-based drink. It is prepared by diluting yogurt with water and adding a pinch of salt. This creates a refreshingly cool beverage that complements spicy dishes, balances the palate, and aids digestion. Laban is cherished across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Central Asian countries, with each region adding its unique twist to the recipe.
This savoury yogurt drink is being made and served in different regions and also produced industrially. Recipes from each region might vary as well.
Furthermore, in a hot summers day, this savoury drink pairs very well with the meal. You can simply prepare from yogurt/curd, water and salt. or you can also give this a fresh flavour using mint leaves. In some regions they add dried mint powder. Each region will have some variation.
What is Turkish Aryan?
Ayran is a popular Middle Eastern beverage, especially in Turkey where it’s considered the national drink. In Iran, there’s a similar drink that goes by the name of “doogh” but is usually served up with fresh mint.
Laban or Ayran reminds us a little bit of Indian lassi, just without the additions of cucumber or mint flavour and sugar.
Difference between Indian Lassi and Laban
Indian lassi comes in two forms, sweet and salty. Both are yogurt based, Salty lassi is similar to doogh or ayran whereas sweet lassi is completely a different drink.
Before going to the recipe, I would like to highlight some of the other recipes here.
Watermelon Lassi | Watermelon Yogurt Smoothie,
Beetroot Raita | Beetroot Pachadi,
CUCUMBER MINT LABAN DRINK RECIPE VIDEO:
SUGGESTED WATCH: Butter & Buttermilk from Curd | Homemade Butter from Curd
RECIPE CARD FOR CUCUMBER MINT LABAN DRINK RECIPE:
Cucumber Mint Laban Drink | Middle Eastern Savoury Yogurt Drink
Ingredients
- 5-6 Cucumber Slices
- 10-12 Mint Leaves
- 1 cup Curd
- 1/2 Lemon
- Sea salt to taste
- Water If required
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber and remove the peel.
- Cut the cucumber into slices.
- Chop into small pieces.
- Transfer the cucumber pieces to the mixi jar.
- Add 10-12 fresh mint leaves.
- Then add 1 cup curd/yogurt.
- Add juice of a 1/2 lemon.
- Next add sea salt to taste.
- Blend it. If required add water to make it to thin consistency.
- Transfer to the serving glass.
- Ready to serve. You can also serve this chilled by adding some ice cubes.
Video
Notes
HOW TO MAKE CUCUMBER MINT LABAN DRINK WITH STEP BY STEP PHOTOS:
- Wash the cucumber and remove the peel.
- Cut the cucumber into slices.
- Chop into small pieces.
- Transfer the cucumber pieces to the mixi jar.
- Add 10-12 fresh mint leaves.
- Then add 1 cup curd/yogurt.
- Add juice of a 1/2 lemon.
- Next add sea salt to taste.
- Blend it. If required add water to make it to thin consistency.
- Transfer to the serving glass.
- Ready to serve. You can also serve this chilled by adding some ice cubes.
TIPS & VARIATIONS:
- Firstly, you can skip the cucumber & mint, if you don’t prefer.
- Put some ice cubes before blending, if you want to serve it chilled.
- You can also sprinkle some pepper powder on top.
The Cucumber Mint Laban Drink offers a delightful combination of flavors while providing numerous health benefits:
- Hydration: With its high water content from both cucumber and Laban, this drink is a superb hydrating option during hot weather or after physical activity.
- Digestive Aid: Yogurt contains probiotics that promote a healthy gut and aid digestion. The addition of cucumber further contributes to digestive health.
- Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins A and K, while mint leaves offer antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body.
- Cooling and Refreshing: The cooling properties of Laban, combined with the refreshing taste of cucumber and mint, make this drink ideal for beating the heat.
The Cucumber Mint Laban Drink is a delightful and nourishing option to keep you refreshed and hydrated, especially during the scorching summer months. Its simplicity in preparation and the burst of flavors it offers makes it a favorite among all age groups. So, the next time you need a revitalizing beverage to combat the heat, consider whipping up a batch of this delightful Cucumber Mint Laban Drink and treat yourself to a moment of cool bliss.
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