Name: Tzatziki - Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 large European cucumber, 4 Armenian, or 2 pickling cukes, peeled; 2 tsp Kosher salt; 2 cups Full fat yogurt; 3 cloves Garlic, mashed to a paste with salt (use knife blade, food processor, or mortar & pestle); 2 tbsp Fresh mint leaves (or 2 tsp dried); 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil; Freshly ground black pepper

Pronounced (Tuh-zeke-e), this cool and refreshing sauce is popular worldwide and synonymous with Greek food. In Greece, it is always nearby. The combination of cucumbers, garlic, and local herbs in yogurt is actually served as a soup in Turkey called Cacik. In Balkans, walnuts are added and the dish is called Tarator. The same combination of ingredients is called raita in India where it is used as a cool and creamy counter to hot curries.

Tzatziki – Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

This refreshing condiment is simple to make and will become a must-have when having grilled and roasted foods. Draining the yogurt makes for a creamier sauce but is not critical.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Draining Cucumbers: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings:

Author: My Hungry Traveler

Equipment

Food processor
Colander
Strainer
Bowl
Cheesecloth or 2 coffee filters

Ingredients

1 large European cucumber, 4 Armenian, or 2 pickling cukes, peeled
2 tsp Kosher salt
2 cups Full fat yogurt
3 cloves Garlic, mashed to a paste with salt (use knife blade, food processor, or mortar & pestle)
2 tbsp Fresh mint leaves (or 2 tsp dried)
2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

If using a food processor, pulse cucumber to tiny pieces. if chopping by hand, chop cucumber finely. Either way, put chopped cucumber in a colander in the sink. Salt generously and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse and squeeze dry in paper towels.
In a bowl, stir-in yogurt, garlic, mint, and olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cucumbers. Adjust seasonings and refrigerate or serve right away.