How to Make Tzatziki
If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, there’s no doubt that you’ve come across tzatziki – a creamy, refreshing sauce that beautifully complements dishes like gyros, souvlaki, and more. This versatile sauce can also be used as a dip for pita bread, vegetables, or even chips. Making your own tzatziki is simple and will add an authentic flair to your dishes. So, let’s learn how to make tzatziki!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (500g) Greek yogurt
– 1 cucumber
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cucumber: First, wash and peel the cucumber. Then, grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor with grating attachment.
2. Remove excess moisture: Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill or mint if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix well: Stir all ingredients together until evenly combined and smooth.
5. Chill: For best results, allow the tzatziki to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows flavours to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
6. Serve and enjoy: Tzatziki can be served chilled as a sauce with grilled meats like gyros and souvlaki, as a dip for pita bread and veggies, or as a dressing for salads. Store the tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
And there you have it – homemade tzatziki that is simple to make and full of fresh, vibrant flavours!