Lately I’ve noticed myself using the word “obsessed” a lot. I’m obsessed with this song, I’m obsessed with these shoes, I’m obsessed with him, I’m obsessed with my nails… I’m just obsessed #obsessed. I noticed that the obsession with being obsessed is everywhere. People obsess about their diet, car, phone or fashion. Obsession is the new black. It’s cool, and it gives people personality. We are a generation obsessed. Dictionary.com defines obsession as; “to dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires of (a person); beset, trouble, or haunt persistently or abnormally”. Call me crazy, but I like this idea. If expressed towards the right person/idea, what’s wrong with a little passion? I mean, what’s wrong with being head over heels for someone and preoccupying your mind only with thoughts of love for them? A little less selfishness could do us all some good #nomoreselfies. As a kid growing up, I would often hear the names Layla and Majnun around the house. They were the popular characters of the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi’s love story, and much like Romeo and Juliet, they were forbidden to be together. Wikipedia explains that “Qays and Layla fall in love with each other when they are young, but when they grow up Layla’s father doesn't allow them to be together. Qays becomes crazy about her and that's why he's later given the name Majnun (مجنون, lit. "possessed") in his community.” Possessed or obsessed, the guy was in love. So now I’m obsessed with love. I’m obsessed with being in love, staying in love and making love. I know it sounds cheesy, but I’m possessed, lol. My other current obsession is cucumbers (you can laugh out loud.)I’ve recently learned that cucumbers are so amazingly healthy for you. According to Conscious Life News, “cucumbers are full of antioxidants – especially vitamins A, B, and C that boost immunity and give you more energy when you are feeling lethargic.” What better time to make maast ou khiar (cucumbered yogurt) . It’s the perfect side dish to all your Persian meals, or the ideal dip at any party. It is so simple and quick to make and I’ve kept the ingredients very minimal. When I was younger we only had masst ou khiar when we had guests over for dinner. My mom would get me to help her grate the cucumber. Now I make it all the time, guests or no guests. Hope you like it, ‘cause I’m obsessed with it.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoon dried mint
- 1/2 raisins (optional - for a more sweet and sour taste)
You can use a cheese grater or a small mixer for the cucumber.
If using a mixer, cut the washed cucumber in 1" pieces so that they fit properly in the mixer.
Put the grated cucumber in a large enough bowl to mix in the yogurt later.
If using a mixer, cut the washed cucumber in 1" pieces so that they fit properly in the mixer.
Put the grated cucumber in a large enough bowl to mix in the yogurt later.
Peel the onion and do the same thing.
If you don't have a small mixer, I would not recommend using the cheese grater.
Instead chop up the half onion as small as you can with a knife.
Put the onions in the same bowl with the cucumbers.
If you don't have a small mixer, I would not recommend using the cheese grater.
Instead chop up the half onion as small as you can with a knife.
Put the onions in the same bowl with the cucumbers.
Add in the salt, pepper, mint (and raisins if you wish) and yogurt.
Mix thoroughly.
Pour your maast ou khiar in your serving dish and garnish.
You can use any left over dried mint or cucumbers as garnish.
Have fun with it and enjoy :)
You can use any left over dried mint or cucumbers as garnish.
Have fun with it and enjoy :)
