Doogh () is a cold and savoury Iranian drink. It is made with fermented milk. Unlike its sister beverage of Turkish origin, ayran, Doogh is not diluted yogurt. According to the Iranian Ministry of Food Standards, Doogh "is a drink resulting from lactic fermentation of milk whose dry matter is standardized by diluting yogurt (after fermentation) or buttermilk (before fermentation)."
Production
Milk and plain yogurt, at a ratio of 15:1, are mixed and placed on low heat until uniformly warm. Salt is added and the mixture is poured into a closed container and placed in a warm area for 3–4 days, after which it is ready to serve.
The longer the drink is left to ferment, the more savoury it becomes. Many subcultures in Iran prefer a longer fermentation period.
Etymology
Doogh has historically been referenced in Persian literature as the representation of a "sour version" of milk. The history of this word is uncertain. It is present in
Avesta scripture, and essentially seems to have been another word for milk, or for the product of
milking[Margarat Shaida, "Yoghurt in Iran", In: Milk-- Beyond the Dairy: Proceedings of the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery 1999, , 2000, pp. 311–312] thus, the word Doogh derives from the
Persian language word for
milking,
dooshidan.
History
Doogh (دوغ) is an
Persian cuisine fermented drink
that has long been a popular drink and was consumed in ancient Iran (Persia).
Doogh is mentioned in Persian literature from the middle period.
In the Persian physician's
Avicenna's Kitab al-Qanun the word denotes milk used medically.
Culture
Doogh is recognized as one of the main Iranian beverages to serve alongside meals. Dishes such as
Abgoosht and
Chelow kabab are the most commonly served with doogh.
In some parts of Iran, mainly Isfahan, doogh is served with the sweet pastry Gosh-e fil as a hallmark tradition and snack.
In Iranian popular culture doogh is also considered to have a sedative effect. Pop culture jokes imply that it is a bad idea to drink doogh during lunch at work or school.
See also
