Spirulina ayran

Ingredients

• 150 g plain full-fat yogurt
• 150 ml cold water
• Quarter to half teaspoon fine sea salt (to taste)
• 1 g spirulina powder
• Ice cubes
• Optional: a few dried mint leaves to finish

Method

1. Whisk spirulina into the water first until fully dissolved.
2. Add the yogurt and whisk together until frothy and homogenous.
3. Add salt and adjust to taste — ayran should be distinctly savoury.
4. Pour over ice. Dust with dried mint if desired.

Why this pairing works

Ayran is one of the best-tolerated spirulina vehicles in the Turkish community. The high salt content actively suppresses the marine flavour note; the yogurt's lactic acid gives a pleasant tang that competes with spirulina's slight bitterness. The result tastes like a slightly earthy ayran — acceptable to most people who drink ayran regularly.