Sauces & Condiments

Tzatziki Sauce

Name: Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups Full-fat Greek yogurt; 1 cucumber English or Persian cucumber; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon Fresh mint, chopped; 1 tablespoon White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

15 min6 servingsEasy90 cal

Tzatziki is a refreshing and creamy Greek sauce or dip made from strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, and a touch of vinegar. It's a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, offering a cool counterpoint to grilled meats and a delightful spread for pita bread. Originating from Greece, Tzatziki has deep roots in Mediterranean culinary traditions, where fresh, local ingredients are paramount. It's believed to be a descendant of similar Middle Eastern yogurt and cucumber dishes, adapted over centuries to become the beloved Greek classic we know today, often served as part of a mezze platter.

mediterraneanDipsaucecondimentGreek

Ingredients

2 cups Full-fat Greek yogurt
1 cucumber English or Persian cucumber
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon Fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
0.5 teaspoon Salt
0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1
Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater.
2
Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent watery tzatziki.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the strained Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh mint.
4
Add the white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
5
Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling also enhances its refreshing quality.
7
Before serving, give it another good stir. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of fresh dill if desired.
8
Serve chilled with pita bread, grilled meats, or as a dip for vegetables.

Chef's Tips

•Always use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest and richest tzatziki. Regular yogurt is too thin.
•Thoroughly squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated cucumber; otherwise, your tzatziki will become watery.
•Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference; some like it milder, others more pungent.
•For best flavor, make tzatziki a few hours in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop.