a yogurt-based drink, is cherished in Afghan cuisine for its tangy flavor. It complements spicy dishes, aids digestion, and offers refreshment, embodying Afghan hospitality.

Afghan Doogh, a yogurt-based drink flavored with mint and sometimes garlic, complements Afghan cuisine's rich and spicy flavors. It's loved for its refreshing and digestive properties, perfect for hot climates. Doogh embodies Afghan hospitality and tradition.

Here's a recipe for Afghani Doogh, a traditional Afghan yogurt-based drink:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup sparkling water or soda water
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves and a pinch of ground cayenne pepper for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Yogurt: In a large bowl, add the plain yogurt. Make sure the yogurt is cold from the refrigerator for a more refreshing Doogh.

Thin the Yogurt: Add the cold water to the yogurt. This will thin the yogurt and make it easier to blend with the other ingredients.

Add the Sparkling Water: Pour in the sparkling water or soda water. The effervescence of the sparkling water will give your Doogh a pleasant fizz. Stir well to combine.

Season with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the mixture. The garlic provides a wonderful depth of flavor and a hint of spice. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you can use less garlic.

Sprinkle with Dried Mint: Sprinkle in the dried mint, which adds a unique Afghan flavor to the Doogh. You can adjust the amount of mint to your taste.

Season with Salt: Add the salt and stir the mixture thoroughly. Adjust the salt to your liking.

Chill: Place the Doogh in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the Doogh to become nicely chilled. You can also add some ice cubes to speed up the chilling process.

Serve: Once the Doogh is chilled, give it a final stir, and then serve it in tall glasses. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a pinch of ground cayenne pepper for extra flavor and presentation.

Afghani Doogh is a versatile drink that pairs wonderfully with many Afghan dishes, helping to balance the spices and heat of the cuisine. Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing beverage, or serve it as a side with dishes like kebabs, pilaf, or savory Afghan bread. It's the perfect choice for staying cool and satisfied on a hot day.

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in Afghani Doogh:

Plain Yogurt (per 1 cup, about 245g):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Sugars: 11g
• Fiber: 0g
• Calcium: 300mg (about 30% of the daily recommended intake)
• Vitamin B12: 1.1µg (about 45% of the daily recommended intake)
• Other vitamins and minerals: Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and more.

benefits: Rich in probiotics, yogurt supports gut health and digestion. It also provides calcium and protein.

Cold Water (per 1 cup, about 240g):

• Calories: 0
• Water: 240g (since water is the main component)
• No significant macronutrients or micronutrients

benefits: Helps hydrate the body and maintain proper fluid balance.

Sparkling Water or Soda Water (per 1 cup, about 240g):

• Calories: 0
• Water: 240g (since water is the main component)
• No significant macronutrients or micronutrients

benefits: Adds fizziness to the drink and can aid in digestion.

Garlic (per clove, about 3g):

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Protein: 0.2g
• Vitamin C: 1.2mg (about 2% of the daily recommended intake)
• Manganese: 0.1mg (about 3% of the daily recommended intake)
• Other vitamins and minerals in smaller amounts

benefits: Contains allicin, a compound with antibacterial and antiviral properties. It may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Dried Mint (per 1 tablespoon, about 2g):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1.5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Iron: 0.4mg (about 2% of the daily recommended intake)
• Other vitamins and minerals in smaller amounts

benefits: Mint is known for its soothing properties and can help relieve indigestion and nausea.

Salt (per 1/2 teaspoon, about 2.5g):

• Calories: 0
• Sodium: Approximately 1,150mg (varies by brand)
• No significant macronutrients

benefits: Provides flavor and helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, especially in hot climates.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and products you use. Additionally, the serving size of your Doogh can vary, so you may need to adjust the values accordingly. It's essential to be mindful of portion sizes and consider the overall nutritional content based on your specific recipe and dietary needs.