Yoghurt is an essential part of the Middle Eastern diet and appears on the table in many guises — mixed with water as a refreshing drink, or served as a thin, runny sauce or a thick, creamy dip as part of a mezze selection. It is often flavoured with fresh herbs or vegetables. There are plenty of quality commercial brands around, but home-made yoghurt tastes sweeter and fresher. To make it, all you need is milk and good-quality, natural live yoghurt to start things off — not a flavoured, sweetened variety.