Introduction
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek dip made with creamy Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It’s light, tangy, and incredibly refreshing, making it a perfect accompaniment for warm pita bread, grilled meats, or as a spread in sandwiches. This versatile dip can be served as part of a mezze platter or as a cooling condiment for spicy dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt (strained for thicker consistency)
- 1 medium cucumber (grated, seeds removed)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced or grated)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4-6 pita breads
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: sprinkle of za'atar or dried oregano for flavor
Instructions
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Grate the Cucumber:
- Peel the cucumber (if the skin is thick) and grate it using a box grater. Remove the seeds if the cucumber is large, as they can add too much moisture to the dip.
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Remove Excess Moisture:
- Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is crucial for preventing a watery tzatziki.
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Mix the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill or mint, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
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Chill the Tzatziki:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, let it chill for 1-2 hours.
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Warm the Pita:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Brush both sides of the pita with olive oil and sprinkle with za’atar or dried oregano for added flavor, if desired.
- Warm the pita in the oven for 5-7 minutes or on the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until heated through and slightly crisped.
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Serve the Tzatziki:
- Transfer the chilled tzatziki to a serving bowl and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for garnish.
- Cut the warmed pita into wedges and serve alongside the tzatziki. You can also serve with fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell peppers.
Health Considerations
- Low in Calories: Tzatziki is a low-calorie dip that provides healthy fats from olive oil and protein from Greek yogurt, making it a nutritious option.
- Rich in Probiotics: Greek yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, serve the tzatziki with gluten-free bread or vegetables instead of pita.
Serving Suggestions
- Mezze Platter: Serve tzatziki as part of a mezze platter with hummus, olives, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.
- Grilled Meats: Tzatziki pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, chicken, or beef kebabs.
- Healthy Snack: Enjoy it as a dip with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a healthy, refreshing snack.
Tips
- Strain the Yogurt: For a thicker tzatziki, strain the yogurt in cheesecloth for 1-2 hours before using to remove excess moisture.
- Garlic Adjustment: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or use roasted garlic instead for a sweeter taste.
- Cucumber Varieties: Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and less moisture, or opt for Persian cucumbers for a sweeter flavor.
