Tsatsiki Sauce
Tzatziki is a staple in Greek cuisine and is commonly served as a condiment or accompaniment to various dishes such as grilled meats, gyros, souvlaki, or as a dip with pita bread and vegetables. Its refreshing and tangy flavor, along with its creamy texture, make it a popular and versatile addition to many Mediterranean dishes.
Tzatziki is typically made with ingredients such as Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint.
ingredients
- - 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for creamier texture)
- - 1 medium cucumber
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
directions
- 1. Peel the cucumber and grate it using a box grater or the grating attachment of a food processor.
- 2. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the excess liquid to drain.
- 3. After the resting time, use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid from the cucumber as possible.
- 4. In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill. Mix well to combine.
- 5. Season the tzatziki sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- 6. For best flavor, cover the tzatziki sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 7. Once chilled, stir the tzatziki sauce again before serving. It can be served as a dip with pita bread or veggies, as a sauce for grilled meats or gyros.
- 8. Store any leftover tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.