How is ayryan made?

How is ayran made?

Ayran is a simple three-ingredient drink: yogurt, cold water and salt. Pages that describe ayryan as a cooked paste with vegetables, spices or oil are not describing this drink.

Ingredients and amounts

• 500 g plain yogurt
• 500 ml cold water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: fresh mint, cucumber or basil to garnish

These are the amounts in a recipe published by the yogurt maker Yayla. You can adjust the amount of water to taste.

Step by step

1. Put the yogurt in a bowl and add the cold water gradually, stirring until uniform.
2. Add the salt and stir until it dissolves.
3. Whisk vigorously until a thick layer of foam forms.
4. Let it rest for a few minutes, then pour into glasses and serve cold, with mint, cucumber or basil if you like.

Tips for a better result

• Use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Thicker yogurt may need more water.
• Keep everything cold so it tastes crisp.
• Salt gradually and taste, because yogurt brands differ in tang.
• Mint is an optional garnish in the Yayla recipe.

How long does homemade ayran keep?

The Yayla recipe says freshly prepared ayran keeps for about one to two days in the refrigerator. Water and yogurt separate while it stands, so stir or shake it well before you drink. Bottled ayran from a store lasts longer, but follow the date on its label.

Common mistakes

• Adding too much water at once, which makes it thin and bland.
• Not whisking enough, so it stays lumpy and flat.
• Making it far ahead of time and leaving it at room temperature.

It is a drink for lunch or dinner, not a sweet treat. Serve it with doner, lahmacun, kofte, borek or spicy food.