By Jami Zamyad

Soooooooooo hot, that your head is throbbing from the intense rays piercing through your hair and into your brain? Your skin is shiny, wet and burning from the sweat, making you squirm and itch in your clothes? Your mouth and throat feel so dry that it’s painful to swallow? You need liquid to quench your thirst but you are hungry too. The thought of eating anything hot or even warm is unimaginable, so while you are burning inside, your senses search for a quick rejuvenating remedy.
Well, I’ve been there, done that, my hot friends, and so I will share a good old Persian recipe to extinguish the fire in all of you. It is cold, soothing, and refreshing to the palate. I call it: “Masst-o-Khiar” or “Cold Yogurt Soup.” I am sure that your parents have made this for you one time or another, mine still do. This delicious cold soup is a complete meal that is low in calories (140 per serving), with protein, carbohydrates, vitamins (A, B-Complex, E, etc.) and minerals (loaded with calcium plus iron, chromium, copper, etc.). It is easy to prepare and beats everything else out there during hot summer days. Try it and see!

JAMI’S COLD YOGURT SOUP SERVING SIZE: 1-2 1 ½ CUP NONFAT YOGURT 2-3 PERSIAN CUCUMBERS 1 TABLESPOON FRESH TARRAGON 1 TABLESPOON FRESH BASIL 1 TABLESPOON FRESH CILANTRO 1 TABLESPOON FRESH DILL 1 TABLESPOON FRESH MINT 2 TABLESPOONS SEEDLESS BLACK RAISINS 2 TABLESPOONS WALNUTS ½ CUP ICE SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE

DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour the yogurt in a medium size bowl.
2. Peel and chop the cucumbers into small pieces. Chop the pre-washed herbs together (You can use dry herbs to save time).
3. Add all the ingredients to the yogurt and mix well. Add the ice and mix again. Enjoy!

(Editor’s Note: Vodka shots optional!).