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Tan – Armenian Yogurt Drink

Tan (also spelled tahn) is a savory yogurt drink made with yogurt, cucumber, water, salt, and fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. Although fresh herbs are optional, they add a lot of flavor and healthy nutrients to the drink.

Armenian yogurt drink in glasses standing on a napkin. Fresh parsley to the left.

I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that my husband is from Armenia. (It’s a small country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, located between Western Asia and Eastern Europe.) So, it was just a matter of time until an Armenian recipe would make it to the blog.

It’s really hot in Armenia during summer and Armenians know very well how to deal with hot weather. This yogurt drink is one of their secrets. In fact, similar drinks are very popular all over the Middle East.

When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how tasty it was and so perfect for hot summer days! It’s also very easy to make and so healthy too. This is my kind of recipe!

Tan being poured into a glass.

I am not an expert on Armenian cooking and had to transform my husband’s vague instructions:

Mix some yogurt with water, add cucumber, and salt, and parsley. But make sure to add more salt, you never add enough salt. It should be liquid so you can drink it but not too much water. And peel the cucumber.

into an actual yogurt drink recipe.

The recipe worked out really well and was approved by my husband, so I assume, it’s quite true to the actual Armenian yogurt drink.

Make sure to chill the drink in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.

I also read on the internet that tan is usually served in ceramic mugs so that it stays cold longer. I don’t have any ceramic mags, so we had to settle for the plain glasses.

Armenian yogurt drink in glasses. A hand holding one of the glasses.

And if you love yogurt, check out this Cold Avocado Soup or learn How to Make Yogurt Parfait.

Three glasses with the Armenian yogurt drink.

Tan – Armenian Yogurt Drink

Tan – Armenian Yogurt Drink

Yield: 6 portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Tan (also spelled Tahn) Armenian Yogurt Drink Recipe. A very healthy and easy to make recipe for a refreshing drink. Perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups plain yogurt
  • 1 English cucumber, peeled and chopped into chunks
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  • a handful of parsley
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  1. Place the yogurt, cucumber chunks, sea salt and parsley into a blender. If your blender is big enough, add 1/2 cup of water. Put the lid on the blender and blend for about 1.5 to 2 minutes until everything is liquefied.
  2. Pour the mixture into a pitcher. Add the rest of the water and stir.
  3. Chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

1. This drink keeps well in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1/6 of recipe
Amount Per Serving Calories 83Total Fat 4.1gSaturated Fat 2.6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1.2gCholesterol 15.9mgSodium 303.6mgCarbohydrates 7.7gFiber 0.3gSugar 6.6gProtein 4.7g

Nutrition facts provided on this website are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a qualified health care provider for personalized diet advice and make sure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.

Did you make this recipe?

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Mikhail

Friday 15th of October 2021

Great job. Don't mince the cucumber, add it as a garnish, or like a long slice salted on the side. However, rather than yogurt you should use Kefir, it will taste 1000% better. Kefir with a bit of cold water perfect tan. Adding the salt will calm the Kefir. Now if you want to make some soup, make Tanov soup, it's great for cold-weather comfort food.

Caterina

Tuesday 19th of May 2020

I used to see my mother and my grandmother drinking that, I never tasted it, but, today,101 anniversary of Pontic (Greek)genocide, I will try it. It would be better to find tan(yogurt without its fat-i can find it in Greece from Pontic Greeks farms). But it was made without cucumber-i will try with it some other time, because I know it will be extra delicious! Today, only tradition!:)Thank you so much for the recipe!

Hratch Gogoshian

Friday 13th of July 2018

Great recepy. Traditional Armenian Tahn does not have cucumber. Once you add cucumber it becomes another dish called tzagech (I don’t know how to translate it to English). Tahn is just yogurt, water, salt and dried mint.

Jane Toomajanian

Thursday 17th of May 2018

Wow! I haven't had this for years. My Armenian grandmother used to give me this when I visited her. She served it with mint only. The honey sounds good to me and I will try that. Also, the cucumber is probably quite refreshing and I must try it also. Thanks.

Allie

Thursday 10th of July 2014

Ahh, my grandfather was from Armenia and this drink recipe reminds me of him. I love the Armenian yogurt drinks. I've had similar ones with yogurt and honey and water... so good. Thanks for the recipe!!

Maria Ushakova

Thursday 10th of July 2014

You are so welcome, Allie! I am glad you like the recipe. I've never heard about the one with honey. Sounds good too :)

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