Cheese Varieties: Mast
Mast is typically produced as a fresh, unaged cheese. It is made from sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, or a blend of both. The cheese has a high moisture content and a soft, spreadable consistency.
Some regional variations may include the addition of herbs or mild spices. The fat content usually ranges between 20% and 25%. Mast is not a protected cheese and remains a homemade or small-scale dairy product.
History: Mast
Mast has been a part of Afghan cuisine for centuries. It originated among nomadic herders who needed to preserve milk. The cheese was a practical way to use surplus milk during grazing seasons.
Its production methods have been passed down through generations. Mast remains deeply tied to rural life and traditional Afghan food culture. It symbolizes simplicity and resourcefulness in dairy preparation.
Distinctive Features: Mast
Mast is recognized by its pure white color and moist appearance. It has a very mild, slightly salty, and tangy flavor profile. The texture is soft, creamy, and often compared to fresh ricotta or quark.
It does not develop a rind and is meant to be consumed shortly after production. The cheese may be lightly drained in cloth bags but is not pressed. Its freshness is its most defining quality.
Production Process: Mast
Mast is made by gently heating fresh milk to about 30°C. A small amount of yogurt or previous batch whey is added as a starter culture. The milk is left to coagulate for several hours.
The curds are then lightly drained in muslin or cheesecloth. No heavy pressing or aging is involved. The entire process is complete within a day, resulting in a fresh, ready-to-eat cheese.
Traditions
Mast is traditionally made at home by Afghan families. It is often prepared in the morning for same-day consumption. The cheese is a common sight on breakfast and snack tables.
It is frequently served with naan bread and fresh herbs. During celebrations, it might be garnished with dried mint or edible flowers. Mast embodies the Afghan value of freshness and hospitality.
Local Wine or Beverage Pairings
Mast pairs wonderfully with doogh, a savory yogurt-based drink. This traditional Afghan beverage complements the cheese’s tangy notes. The combination is refreshing and widely enjoyed.
Green tea is another classic pairing throughout Afghanistan. The slight astringency of the tea contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese. Both beverages enhance Mast’s mild, fresh character.
Suitable Fruit and Vegetables
Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes are ideal partners for Mast. Their crisp texture and juicy flavor balance the cheese’s creaminess. Radishes and spring onions also work very well.
Sweet fruits like melon or grapes provide a pleasant contrast. Pomegranate seeds add both color and a burst of acidity. Fresh herbs such as mint and coriander are commonly used as garnishes.
Suitable Meat and Fish
Mast is often served alongside grilled lamb kebabs. Its cooling effect balances the richness of the meat. It also accompanies qabuli palau, a famous Afghan rice dish with lamb.
The cheese is rarely paired with fish in traditional settings. Instead, it complements milder meats like chicken or veal. It acts as a fresh counterpoint to spiced and grilled meats.
Questions and answers
What is Mast cheese in Afghanistan?
Mast cheese in Afghanistan is a traditional dairy product made from strained yogurt. The Afghan cheese is tangy, creamy, and often handmade in rural households.
Where is Mast cheese produced in Afghanistan?
Mast cheese is produced in villages and farming regions throughout Afghanistan. The cheese reflects long-standing yogurt-based dairy traditions in Afghanistan.
How is Mast cheese made in Afghanistan?
In Afghanistan, Mast cheese is made by fermenting milk into yogurt, straining it, and shaping the thick curd into blocks. This process gives the Afghan cheese its firm yet creamy texture.
How popular is Mast cheese in Afghanistan?
Mast cheese is very popular in Afghanistan as part of daily diets. Many Afghan families consume it fresh with bread and herbs.
How is Mast cheese eaten in Afghanistan?
In Afghanistan, Mast cheese is eaten with flatbread, rice dishes, or vegetables. The Afghan cheese is also served as a side dish at family meals.
What distinguishes Mast cheese in Afghanistan from other cheeses?
Mast cheese in Afghanistan is distinct for being yogurt-based rather than directly from curdled milk. Other Afghan cheeses are often brined or aged differently.
How is Mast cheese stored in Afghanistan?
In Afghanistan, Mast cheese is stored in cool places or clay containers to preserve freshness. The Afghan cheese is usually consumed quickly due to its perishable nature.
Is Mast cheese used in Afghan restaurants?
Yes, many Afghan restaurants serve Mast cheese with traditional bread and kebabs. It is appreciated as a refreshing and authentic side in Afghanistan.
Can Mast cheese be exported from Afghanistan?
Mast cheese from Afghanistan is rarely exported because it spoils quickly. The Afghan cheese is mostly enjoyed locally.
Why is Mast cheese important in Afghanistan?
Mast cheese in Afghanistan is important because it connects dairy traditions with everyday meals. The Afghan cheese represents resourceful use of yogurt in Afghan cuisine.
Recipe Ideas
For a simple yet authentic experience, crumble 100 grams of aged Mast over a warm bowl of spinach or pumpkin aushak. The sharp, salty cheese melts slightly into the savory dumplings and garlic-mint yogurt sauce, creating a rich and comforting dish. Alternatively, stir it into a pot of qorma e sabzi just before serving to add a creamy, tangy dimension to the herb-laden stew.
Create a vibrant appetizer by blending 150 grams of fresh Mast with chopped fresh mint, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of olive oil to make a quick dip. Serve this creamy spread alongside warm naan or crisp vegetable sticks for a delightful contrast in textures. You can also stuff this flavorful mixture into ripe tomatoes or sprinkle it over a flatbread base before a quick bake in a 200°C oven.
Mast with Naan and Herbs
This simple dish highlights the freshness of Mast. It is a classic Afghan breakfast or light meal. The soft cheese spread on warm bread is both comforting and nourishing.
Fresh herbs elevate the mild flavor of the cheese. A drizzle of olive oil is optional but adds richness. This recipe requires no cooking and comes together in minutes.
- 200 g Mast cheese
- 4 pieces of fresh naan or flatbread
- 1 small bunch of fresh mint
- 1 small bunch of fresh coriander
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Place the Mast cheese in a small serving bowl.
- Warm the naan bread lightly on a griddle or in an oven.
- Wash and pat dry the mint and coriander leaves.
- Serve the cheese alongside the warm bread and herbs.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Afghan Mast Dip
This creamy dip is perfect for gatherings. It incorporates traditional Afghan flavors into a shareable format. The dip is cool, tangy, and slightly aromatic.
It pairs wonderfully with vegetable sticks or crackers. The recipe allows the Mast cheese to remain the star. You can adjust the herbs and seasoning to your preference.
- 250 g Mast cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp chopped mint
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- Toasted cumin seeds for garnish
- In a medium bowl, combine the Mast cheese with the chopped herbs.
- Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with toasted cumin seeds before serving.
Similar Cheeses and Local Alternatives
Seek out the fresh, brined cheeses found across Central Asia and the Middle East for a similar experience to Mast. Bulgarian sirene or Turkish beyaz peynir offer comparable textures and salt levels, though they may be aged slightly longer, developing a firmer, 200 gram wheel. For a truly local alternative, one might sample the artisanal qurut from a nearby Afghan market, which dehydrates the same base yogurt into savory, marble-sized balls that pack a powerful, tangy punch.
Mast shares similarities with other fresh, unripened cheeses from the region. Iranian paneer or panir is a close relative, though it is often firmer and salted more heavily. Indian paneer is another comparable cheese, but it is typically pressed and has a denser texture. In Afghanistan, one might also find qoroot, a dried dairy product made from strained yogurt, which offers a more intense and sour flavor profile. While not identical, labneh from Levantine cuisine provides a similar tangy and spreadable consistency, though it is made from strained yogurt rather than fresh cheese. Each of these cheeses reflects the dairy traditions of their respective cultures, yet Mast remains uniquely Afghan in its simplicity and daily use.