Mast-o musir (ماست و موسیر) is a traditional Iranian yogurt dip made from thick yogurt and dried Persian shallot garlic. It is a very popular side dish in Iranian cuisine, known for its smooth, creamy texture and mildly tangy, aromatic flavor of shallot garlic.
Persian shallot garlic is a specific variety of garlic widely used in Iranian cooking, especially in combination with yogurt. It has a milder and less pungent flavor compared to regular garlic.
The name of the dip directly refers to its two main ingredients. “Mast” means yogurt in Persian, and “musir” refers to dried Persian shallot garlic (Allium stipitatum).
The base of mast-o musir is thick yogurt, often compared to Greek yogurt for its dense, creamy consistency. The key ingredient that sets this dip apart from other yogurt dips is the dried Persian shallot garlic. It is soaked in water beforehand to rehydrate and soften. Once softened, the shallot is drained, finely chopped (or sometimes crushed), and mixed into the yogurt. The mixture is then left to rest for several hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. In addition to the basic ingredients, salt and freshly ground black pepper are sometimes added.
Mast-o musir is most commonly served with grilled meats and often accompanies Persian appetizers (together with fresh bread, herbs, and vegetables).
At my favorite kebab restaurant in Esfahan, I adored how mast-o musir was garnished with finely ground pistachios and slices of dried rose petals.
I can’t imagine Iranian kabab without mast-o musir.
Bon appétit!
