Ingredients
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- 8 cups Greek yogurt
- 4 medium cucumber
- 8 cloves garlic
- 4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbs fresh lemon juice
- 4 tbs fresh dill
- Salt
- pepper
Nutritional Information
Calculated based on standard values with available measurements and may therefore not be accurate.
Nutritional information not available.
Tzatziki
Instructions
Step 1
Start by grating the cucumber. Once grated, squeeze out the excess moisture using your hands. You can also place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer and press down with a spoon to drain the moisture. This step is important to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
Add the chopped dill to the mixture. If you're using dried dill, you can start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the yogurt will mellow out the flavours as it sits, so it's okay to season it a bit more than you might initially think.
If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for some subtle spiciness.
If you're using fresh mint, chop the leaves finely and add them to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Once the tzatziki is mixed and seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavours to meld and develop.
Before serving, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and garnish with a sprinkle of dill or mint leaves for presentation.
Serve the tzatziki as a dip with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
Enjoy your homemade tzatziki dip! It's a wonderful addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal, for example Ratatouille
Recipe Story
In the heart of culinary exploration, where the flavours of the Mediterranean embrace your senses, lies a classic Greek delight: tzatziki. A dip that dances on the taste buds, tzatziki embodies the very essence of simplicity married with vibrancy. With its roots entrenched in Greece's sun-soaked landscapes, this recipe reveals a tapestry of flavours that traverse borders and cultures.
Imagine, if you will, the tangy embrace of Greek yogurt, its creaminess a canvas for an orchestra of flavors to play upon. A symphony of grated cucumber sings a song of refreshment, its crisp notes cutting through the richness like a coastal breeze. Minced garlic, like a secret whispered amongst friends, lends its depth, while fresh dill dances with an unbridled grace, transporting you to sunlit gardens.
Ah, but let us not forget the essence of the olive tree, the liquid gold that is extra virgin olive oil. With a drizzle, it marries the elements, bringing them into harmonious alignment. A squeeze of lemon juice offers its zesty soliloquy, elevating the dip to new heights of brightness.
But wait, there's room for personal flourishes, for those who seek to elevate the dish further. A pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika, perhaps, for those with a penchant for the bold. Fresh mint leaves, chopped delicately, introduce an unexpected yet delightful twist.
Tzatziki transcends dietary confines, with adaptations that respect varied preferences. From gluten-free to vegetarian, this dip embraces the healthy and the mindful, offering a haven of taste without compromise.
Like an enigmatic travel companion, tzatziki journeys alongside grilled meats, enrobing them in its cool embrace. It caresses pita bread and vegetables, inviting them to be dipped into its creamy depths. Tzatziki isn't just a dish—it's a passport to a world of flavours that remind us that, no matter where we are, there's always a seat at the global table.
