Ayran - Turkish Yogurt Drink

The food we miss the most when we are away from our country is lahmacun and ayran. These are always the first things we eat during our visits.

We are really excited to share more about Turkish ayran today. In this post, we will explain what it is, how it is enjoyed in Turkey, how to make it in 2 minutes, and much more.

What is Ayran?

Ayran (pronounced "eye-rahn") is a simple and refreshing drink made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. Just like the word "yogurt" (or "yoğurt"), "ayran" is a Turkish word that is now used all around the world.

It has a creamy consistency and a tangy taste.

Many people outside of Turkey think ayran is just a summer drink because it’s so cooling. However, in Turkey, it is enjoyed all year round. People drink it with everything from kebabs to savory pastries like borek or pide. 

On the streets, you often see people with a simit (a type of Turkish bagel) and a bottle of ayran for a quick lunch on the go. It is as common as water in Turkey. 

If you’re in Turkey, you’ll find ayran readily available in bottles at markets, groceries, and small shops. Popular brands include Pınar, Sütaş, Yörem, Gazi and Eker.

In many kebab restaurants, you see large machines that churn out the salted yogurt drink continuously. This method creates a wonderful frothy topping. This is called açık ayran, meaning unbottled ayran that is freshly made.

Some traditional restaurants use a wooden barrel called a yayik to make what is known as yayik ayran, which is famous for its distinctive sour flavor.

Just like ayran in Turkey, many cultures around the world have their own yogurt drinks. In Iran, there's doogh, made from yogurt, water, salt, and sometimes mint. India and Pakistan have lassi, which can be sweet with sugar and fruit.

In the Balkans and the Middle East, countries like Greece, Bulgaria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria also have similar cold yogurt drinks made from yogurt, water, and salt.

We Only Need 3 Ingredients! 

Ayran is made from three simple ingredients: yoghurt, cold water, and salt.

The type of yogurt you use will affect the overall taste. We recommend full-fat yogurt for the best flavor and texture. Our favorite is, of course, Turkish yogurt because of its slightly sour taste. However, you can use any plain, full-fat yogurt you can find.

Greek yogurt, also known as strained yogurt, works well too. Some brands of Greek yogurt are really thick, so you might need to use a little more water to get the right consistency.

Always use cold water because ayran is best enjoyed when it’s cold. The cold water helps make the drink refreshing and perfect for hot days.

How to Make Ayran

Our ayran recipe is very simple with only three ingredients. Here are three easy methods to prepare it, based on the number of servings you need.

For 1-2 servings, the easiest method is to use a jar. Put the yogurt, salt, and water into the jar, and shake it vigorously until the mixture is smooth. This method not only makes small servings but also gives you a little nice foamy topping.

For 3-4 servings, use a jug. Whisk together the yogurt, salt, and a little water in a jug until there are no lumps. Then, add the remaining water and whisk everything together. This method is quick and easy for making ayran for a few people.

For larger servings, use a blender. Put the yogurt, salt, and water into the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and foamy. This method is best for making ayran for a larger group of people.

After making your ayran, taste it to check the flavor. If needed, add more salt to suit your preference. 

Garnish with fresh mint leaves when serving.

Variations

You can make ayran even more interesting by adding some variations. Here are three popular options:

Dried Mint: Adding dried mint to your ayran gives it a fresh and slightly herbal flavor. Simply sprinkle a small amount of dried mint into the mixture while you are preparing the ayran. Stir or shake well to combine. This variation adds a refreshing twist and is perfect for hot days.

Sparkling Water: Using sparkling water instead of still water makes your ayran fizzy and extra refreshing. Replace the cold water with sparkling water when you mix it with yogurt and salt in a jug. This version is bubbly and gives a fun, fizzy sensation, making it a great option for a lively drink.

Fresh Mint and Cucumber: This variation is popular in Diyarbakir, a city in the southeast of Turkey. Street vendors often sell it from large containers. So if you want to make it at home, add fresh mint leaves and cucumber sticks in your ayran after whisking it. Then keep it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the refreshing flavors of mint and cucumber infuse into the yogurt drink.

Balancing the Salt and Water

Traditionally, Turkish ayran is a salty drink, but it shouldn't be too salty. Start with a small amount of salt and taste as you go. Add more if needed, but be careful not to overdo it.

The consistency of ayran is a personal preference. Some like it thin, while others prefer it thick and creamy. We love it creamy, so we use a ratio of 1 cup water to 2 cups yogurt. This makes a rich and satisfying drink. If you prefer it thinner, just add more water.

Serving Suggestions

This Turkish yogurt drink pairs well with several meat dishes.

We love it paired with:

• Chicken Döner
• Kofte
• Adana Kebap
• Lamb Shish Kebab
• Kofta Kebab
• Sac Kavurma

Besides the meat dishes, ayran goes well with several vegetarian dishes too. It is indeed great with almost any Turkish food. Here are some of our favorites:

• Gozleme
• Bulgur Pilav
• Cigkofte
• Menemen

Is It A Healthy Drink?

When homemade, ayran doesn't contain any preservatives or additives. It also doesn’t contain sugar and is not sweetened, making it a natural and healthy choice.

Made from yogurt, it contains probiotics that may help with the immune system. 

Also, with water as a main ingredient, it helps keep you hydrated, which is essential for overall health. 

While it does contain salt, you can adjust the amount to suit your dietary needs.

Are Ayran and Kefir The Same?

No, they are not!

Kefir is made by fermenting milk with kefir grains, while ayran is made by mixing yogurt with water and a pinch of salt.

Kefir is slightly carbonated with a thicker consistency as a result of fermentation. In contrast, ayran has a smooth and creamy texture.

The taste of kefir, especially plain and unflavored kefir, can be quite strong and tangy, which might take some time to get used to if you are drinking it for the first time. On the other hand, many people find ayran's taste easier to get used to because it is milder and more refreshing.

Kefir is often consumed on its own as a health drink, whereas ayran is commonly enjoyed with savory meals.

More Turkish Recipes With Yogurt

• Cacık (Turkish style tzatziki)
• Yogurt Soup
• Turkish Ravioli (Mantı)
• Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

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