Haydari

Haydari is a traditional Turkish dip made with thick yogurt and salty feta cheese. It has a rich texture that works perfectly as part of a meze platter. This dip is famous for its fresh herbs and punchy garlic flavour. You can serve it with warm pita bread or crunchy vegetables.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Haydari

Why you should try haydari

Making haydari at home is very quick and requires no cooking at all. The combination of creamy yogurt and tangy feta creates a deeply satisfying snack. Using fresh dill and mint provides a bright taste that balances the richness of the cheese. It is a versatile dish that keeps well in the fridge for several days.

How to cook haydari

Step 1
Prepare cheese: Place the feta cheese in a mixing bowl and mash it thoroughly with a fork. It should become a thick paste with only very small crumbles remaining.
Step 2
Mix herbs: Finely chop the fresh dill and mint leaves before adding them to the bowl. Crushing the garlic cloves with a press will ensure the flavour is distributed evenly through the mixture.
Step 3
Combine ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt and olive oil to the bowl with the cheese and herbs. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4
Chill dip: Cover the bowl and let the haydari rest in the fridge for at least thirty minutes. This time allows the garlic and herb flavours to develop properly before serving.

Good advice for haydari

Always use a thick strained yogurt like Greek yogurt to ensure the dip has the right consistency. If your yogurt is too watery the haydari might become runny instead of creamy. You can toast some walnuts and crush them on top for extra texture and a nutty flavour. If you prefer a bit of heat add a small pinch of red pepper flakes when serving.

Make sure to use fresh herbs rather than dried ones to get the most authentic taste. Preparing this dip a few hours in advance actually improves the flavour as the garlic mellows slightly.

Find more ideas here: baked falafel, sauerkraut or vegetable patties.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 250 g Greek yogurt
  • 100 g feta cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 15 g fresh dill
  • 10 g fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pinch salt

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:862 kJ / 206 kcal
  • Fat:18 g
  • - of which saturates:7 g
  • Carbohydrates:3 g
  • - of which sugars:3 g
  • Protein:9 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:680 mg

People also ask

You can keep leftover Haydari in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stir it briefly before serving again as some oil might separate on the surface.
Fresh herbs are much better for the flavour and texture of Haydari. If you must use dried herbs use only a third of the amount and let it sit longer in the fridge.
Soft pita bread or Turkish flatbread is the traditional choice for dipping. The thick consistency of this dip also makes it great for spreading on crusty sourdough or dipping cucumber sticks.
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