Ayran
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Ayran or tan (IPA: [aɪˈran]) (Turkish: ayran; Bulgarian: айрян or sometimes мътеница / бърканица (literally dreggy or oily liquid); Macedonian: аjрaн, мyченца; Greek: Αϊράνι; Armenian: Թան; Assyrian: Döweh; Albanian: Dhallë) is a drink made of yoghurt and water, popular in Turkey, Armenia, Bulgaria, and other parts of the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Ayran is a mixture of yoghurt, water, and salt. It is thought to have originated as a way of preserving yogurt by adding salt.
It can also be made with cucumber juice in place of some or all of the water, or flavored with garlic. Sometimes it is also seasoned with black pepper: this is uncommon in Bulgaria, where Ayran is also often served without salt. Another recipe popular in some regions includes finely chopped mint leaves mixed into the Ayran.
Ayran is so popular in Turkey that it is often regarded as a market separate to that for the juice and soda industries. It is a challenge for "modern" soft-drink companies such as Coca-Cola. International fast-food companies such as McDonald's include Ayran in their standard menu as a local menu addition. In Azerbaijan, Syria, and Lebanon, it is available in all restaurants and fast-food shops. In other countries, it may be found at döner kebab outlets. In the United States, it's available in Armenian, Turkish, Persian, and other Middle Eastern stores under the names Ayran or Tahn.
In rural areas of Turkey, Ayran is offered as a "standard" drink to welcome guests.
Ayran is served cool, and is a common accompaniment to döner, kebab, banitsa, gözleme, or pastry. Some forms of fresh Ayran include foam.
[edit] See also
- Turkish cuisine
- Bulgarian cuisine
- Armenian cuisine
- Balkan cuisine
- Middle Eastern cuisine
- Cacık
- Doogh
- Lassi
