Refreshing curd-based dishes you should try this summer

Curd (yoghurt) is a summer staple across cultures but beyond the usual dishes lie some truly underrated gems. These lesser-known recipes are cooling, flavourful and deeply rooted in regional traditions. Here are six underrated curd based dishes from around the world you should try this summer. (unsplash)

Ayran Aşı Soup, Turkey: A hearty yet cooling dish made with yogurt, chickpeas, grains and herbs, served cold and packed with nutrition, making it a complete summer meal. (wikimedia commons)

Borani Banjan, Afghanistan: A rich yet cooling dish made with fried eggplant layered in tomato sauce and topped with garlicky yogurt, packed with bold flavours and texture. (unsplash)

Chalop, Central Asia: A lesser known Central Asian favourite, chalop is a chilled yogurt based dish with cucumbers, herbs and sometimes vegetables, refreshing and hydrating. (youtube: nilufar cocina)

Mast-o-Khiar, Iran: A Persian take on yogurt dip, this dish includes cucumbers, herbs, walnuts and sometimes raisins, creating a unique sweet-savoury balance. (unsplash)

Mor Kuzhambu, India: A lighter, more regional cousin of kadhi, this Tamil dish uses curd, coconut and spices to create a mildly tangy curry, often paired with vegetables like ash gourd or okra. (wikimedia commons)

Tarator, Bulgaria: A refreshing cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and dill. It’s incredibly light and perfect for hot European summers. (unsplash)