The Running Chef

The first thing that springs to mind when I think of Greek food is Tzatziki. It’s the quintessential Greek dip, and with good reason. It’s delicious. However, it’s not exclusive to Greece. Tzatziki can be found across south-eastern Europe and the Middle East.

What is Tzatziki?

Tzatziki (pronounced tsah-ZEE-kee) is a cold yoghurt dip or sauce made primarily with Greek yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s commonly served with grilled meats, in wraps like gyros, or simply with flatbread or vegetables.

The Right Yoghurt for Tzatziki

Traditionally, the yoghurt for Tzatziki is strained to remove the extra whey. The result is a thicker yoghurt, sold in shops nowadays as Greek-Style Yoghurt, unless it was produced in Greece, in which case it can be labelled Greek Yoghurt.

Using strained yoghurt is a must because natural yoghurt will be too thin, resulting in a watery dip. The sauce will begin to thin out as it mixes with the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: For a thicker consistency, refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes before serving.

Preparing the Cucumber

Cucumber may be hydrating, but the excess moisture needs to be squeezed off; otherwise, it will leak into the yoghurt, resulting in a thin, watery dip.

1. Grate the cucumber using the coarse side of a box grater.
2. Wrap the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
3. Squeeze it over the sink until almost no water runs out.

How to Use Tzatziki

1. My Chicken Gyros recipe
2. As a dip for crudités or baked sweet potato wedges
3. As a salad dressing with cucumber, feta, and tomatoes

Tzatziki: The Quintessential Greek Dip

The first thing that springs to mind when I think of Greek food is Tzatziki. And with good reason. It’s delicious. However, it’s not unique to Greece. Tzatziki can be found across south-eastern Europe and the Middle East.

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Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 3 minutes mins

Servings: 8 Tbsps

Course: Sauces, Side Dish

Cuisine: greek

Calories: 41

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 200 ml Greek Yoghurt Deseeded
• ½ Cucumber
• 5 g Mint Finely Chopped
• 1 Garlic Clove Finely Chopped
• Juice of ½ Lemon
• Salt / Pepper
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Pitta Bread to serve
• Cucumber Sticks to serve

Method

 

1. Grate the cucumber using the large side of a box grater and squeeze dry.
2. In a bowl, combine the yoghurt, dry cucumber, mint, and garlic.
3. Add lemon juice and stir until combined. Season to taste.
4. Spoon the mixture into a serving dish and drizzle with oil.