Mast Moosir – Persian Solo Garlic Yoghurt Dip

Mast Moosir is a creamy yoghurt dip with the nutty, mild taste of single clove garlic, also known as solo garlic. It makes a perfect dip for crisps or crackers, but also tastes scrumptious on its own or as a side next to Persian main dishes.

Moosir is often wrongly translated to shallot. Shallots are a type of onion. They are smaller and taste milder than regular onions. They taste amazing, but don’t belong in Mast o Moosir. Moosir is a type of garlic. In English it is referred to as solo garlic or single clove garlic. As the name suggests, it’s garlic that consists of one single clove. Its taste is much more subtle than that of regular garlic, making it so deliciously smooth in this creamy yoghurt dip. If regular raw garlic is too pungent for your taste, definitely give solo garlic a try! It has the same health benefits, but you’re more likely to enjoy its flavour when eaten raw.

My sister collected some in the mountains recently and shared pictures with me.

You can find fresh solo garlic in some shops or vegetable markets, for example at Borough Market. Alternatively you can buy dried moosir. You can find it at Middle Eastern or Turkish supermarkets or online. Just be aware that it might be labeled as ‘dried shallots’.

Ingredients for Mast-e Moosir

500g/1.1lbs Greek or Greek style yoghurt

30g/1oz fresh or dried single clove garlic/solo garlic (if using dried solo garlic you’ll need slightly less)

Salt to taste

Black pepper to garnish (optional)

Time

Prep: 5 minutes

Soaking time (if using dried solo garlic): 5 h

Method

If you’re using fresh solo garlic, peel and finely chop it.

If you’re using dried solo garlic, you should rehydrate it first. Soak it in water for about 5 hours or overnight. Make sure to change the water a few times. The rehydrated dried solo garlic should be soft. Squeeze the excess water out of it with your hand. Then finely chop it.

Combine the yoghurt and finely chopped solo garlic. Season it with salt to your liking. Taste the Mast-e Mosir and add more solo garlic, if you like.

If you want, you can sprinkle it with black pepper. Serve your Mast Mosir with your favourite crackers or crisps (I’m talking about chips, American friends) or serve it as a side dish with a delicious Persian stew.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe! If you have any questions please let me know in the comments, I’m always happy to help. 

I’d love to see your Mast-e Mosir! Feel free to tag me with @igotitfrommymaman on Facebook or Insta so I can take a look and give you a thumbs up!

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Looking for more recipes? Here are my other Persian classics!

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