Tzatziki

Name: Tzatziki
Prep time: 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, strained — 400 g (1.5 cups); Cucumber, grated and drained — 1 medium; Garlic cloves, minced — 2; Extra-virgin olive oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp); Fresh dill, chopped — 10 g (2 tbsp); White wine vinegar or lemon juice — 10 ml (2 tsp); Salt — 3 g (1/2 tsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 min

Prep

0 min

Cook

Ingredients

Greek yogurt, strained — 400 g (1.5 cups)
Cucumber, grated and drained — 1 medium
Garlic cloves, minced — 2
Extra-virgin olive oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
Fresh dill, chopped — 10 g (2 tbsp)
White wine vinegar or lemon juice — 10 ml (2 tsp)
Salt — 3 g (1/2 tsp)

Method

Grate cucumber and place in a cheesecloth or fine sieve; squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Combine drained cucumber, yogurt, minced garlic and salt in a mixing bowl.
Stir in olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice.
Fold in chopped dill.
Chill at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavours meld.

Cultural Background: A cooling yogurt sauce made with grated cucumber, garlic and fresh herbs, tzatziki traces its roots to Ottoman-era cac■k, evolving into a distinctly Greek meze and accompaniment to grilled meats and gyro, now recognised worldwide.

Tips: • Thoroughly draining both the yogurt and cucumber is essential — excess water makes for a watery, disappointing sauce. • Let the garlic mellow by resting the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Variations: • Use mint instead of dill for a different herbal profile, common in some regions. • Add a pinch of ground cumin for a more Middle Eastern-leaning cac■k-style variation.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Reheating: Not applicable; served cold. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 40 kcal, 3 g protein, 2.5 g fat, 2 g carbohydrate per 30 g serving. FAQs What is tzatziki traditionally served with? Grilled meats, gyro, souvlaki, and as a meze with pita bread. Why is my tzatziki watery? The cucumber or yogurt likely wasn't drained thoroughly enough — squeeze out as much liquid as possible before combining.

FAQs: What is tzatziki traditionally served with? Grilled meats, gyro, souvlaki, and as a meze with pita bread. Why is my tzatziki watery? The cucumber or yogurt likely wasn't drained thoroughly enough — squeeze out as much liquid as possible before combining.