Havuç Tarator (Turkish Carrot Salad with Yogurt)

Havuç Tarator, a classic Turkish carrot salad with yogurt, is a delightful blend of sweet carrots and creamy tangy Greek yogurt. It’s perfect as a starter, dip, or side dish. This simple yet flavorful dish, with its sautéed garlic and a hint of olive oil, brings a refreshing taste of Turkish cuisine to your table.

You may already know Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines are renowned for their creamy and flavorful yogurt-based dishes. Popular examples include Cacik Recipe Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Labneh, a tangy, strained yogurt spread often drizzled with olive oil. Another favorite is Mast-o-Khiar, a Persian dip featuring yogurt mixed with cucumbers and herbs.

Havuç Tarator Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic and carrots to perfection.

• Garlic: Provides a savory and aromatic base, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

• Carrots: Shredded for a tender texture and natural sweetness that balances the yogurt.

• Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base that complements the sweetness of the carrots. You can use homemade yogurt if you’d like to make it from scratch or labneh if you’re looking for a thicker consistency.

• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness and tanginess.

• Optional: Top with a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for a hint of heat and extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Turkish Carrot Salad with Yogurt

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic for about a minute.

Step 2

Then, add in the carrot and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until soft.

Step 3

Let the sauteed mixture cool completely after removing from heat. Next, mix with the Greek yogurt and add salt.

Final Step

Add to a serving dish and top with olive oil.

Recipe Notes

• Fresh Garlic: Using fresh garlic will give your carrot salad a more vibrant and robust flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best taste.

• Fresh Carrots: Choose firm, fresh carrots for the best texture and sweetness. Shredding them yourself will ensure they are the perfect size for this dish.

• Uniform Shredding: Use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment to achieve uniform carrot pieces. This ensures even cooking and a better texture.
  
• Low Heat for Garlic: When sautéing the garlic, keep the heat on low to medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can add a bitter taste to the dish.

• Cool Before Mixing: Allow the sautéed carrots to cool completely before mixing them with the yogurt. Mixing hot carrots with yogurt can cause the yogurt to separate or become runny.
  
• Serve Chilled: Carrot salad with yogurt is typically served chilled, so allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance its flavors.

• Optional Spices: Add a pinch of cumin or a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper to introduce an extra layer of flavor and a bit of warmth to the salad.

Variations and Substitutes

1. Dairy-Free Option: Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as almond, coconut, or soy yogurt. Ensure it’s unsweetened for the best taste.

2. Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika to the sautéed carrots for a deeper, smokier flavor. Or, mix in some chopped fresh dill, mint, or parsley for an herbaceous twist.

4. Add-ins for Texture and Flavor: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. Also, you can add a handful of raisins or chopped dried apricots for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

5. Different Yogurt Bases: For a thicker, creamier texture, use labneh instead of Greek yogurt. Labneh is a strained yogurt that’s common in Middle Eastern cuisine.

How to Store Havuç Tarator

• Refrigeration: Transfer any leftover carrot salad to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate promptly after serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving leftover carrot salad, give it a good stir to redistribute any separated liquids and ensure the flavors are evenly mixed.

• Avoid Freezing: Yogurt-based dishes like Havuç Tarator do not freeze well as freezing can cause the yogurt to separate and change in texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.