Mast-e-Khiar (Yogurt and Cucumbers)

2 medium cucumbers

4 cloves garlic, large

2 1/2 cups yogurt

1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons powdered mint

2 tablespoons dried rose petals (red, aromatic)

salt, black pepper (season to taste)

Peel the garlic and place in mortar. Sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon salt and pound it until it forms a paste.

Peel the cucumbers and coarsely grate into a large bowl. Add garlic, walnuts and yogurt and mix well. Add to this mixture salt and pepper to taste, the mint and 1½ tablespoons of the rose petals, which have been powdered by rubbing it between two hands, and again mix well. Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve. To decorate, sprinkle a little mint in a design over the top and scatter the remaining ½ tablespoon of rose petals in the center.

VARIATION: Use ½ cup chopped green onions in place of garlic puree.