Tzatziki, a culinary treasure of Greek cuisine, is a refreshing and versatile dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce is a staple in Greek meze platters, adding a burst of freshness to grilled meats, crispy falafel, or warm pita bread. Its simplicity belies a symphony of flavors, where cool, crisp cucumbers, tangy yogurt, and aromatic herbs dance together in perfect harmony. This beloved sauce has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide, inspiring numerous variations that showcase its adaptability. From classic tzatziki to innovative twists with roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even avocado, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. Whether you're seeking a light and healthy dip, a flavorful marinade, or a vibrant sauce to elevate your favorite dishes, tzatziki is a versatile culinary companion that never fails to impress.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
AUTHENTIC TZATZIKI SAUCE RECIPE (GREEK YOGURT, CUCUMBER DIP)
The authentic Greek tzatziki sauce recipe. Find out how to prepare this creamy Greek yogurt, cucumber and garlic dip as served in the very best taverns!
Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos
Categories Dips
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- To prepare this authentic Greek tzatziki sauce recipe, remove the skin and the seeds of the cucumber and grate it into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and leave aside for 10 minutes.
- Afterwards, wrap the grated cucumber in a towel and squeeze, in order to get rid of the excess water.
- Assemble the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, add the cucumber, the minced garlic and olive oil, the yogurt, 1-2 tbsps of red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and blend, until the ingredients are combined. Store the tzatziki sauce in the fridge and always serve cold. (Alternatively, if you have a blender, pour in the olive oil and garlic and blend until combined. Then mix with the rest of the ingredients using a spoon. This will help the garlic to mix better with the rest of the ingredients).
- Prepare this traditional tzatziki sauce for your friends and family and serve as a delicious dip with some warm pita breads aside, or as a sauce for Greek-style souvlaki. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 tbsps, Calories 85kcal, Sugar 2.1g, Sodium 209.1mg, Fat 6.8g, SaturatedFat 1.7g, UnsaturatedFat 4.9g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 2.7g, Fiber 0.1g, Protein 3.9g, Cholesterol 5.4mg
GREEK TZATZIKI
This cool Greek dip only gets better with time. Serve with pita bread, in gyros, on lamb or with whatever you like!
Provided by LeeleeCooks
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Tzatziki
Time 8h20m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Stir together yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Add lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth. Pour into a serving dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate 8 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 21.6 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 1.4 mg, Fat 1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 190.6 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
AUTHENTIC GREEK TZATZIKI
This is a lovely, cool, refreshing Greek tzatziki dip that I first tasted and fell in love with in the Greek Islands. It is lovely with hot toasted pita bread and veggies or lamb kebabs! The key is strain the liquid from the cucumber very well so the dip stays creamy and not watery and to always use thick, full-fat Greek yogurt. Low-fat versions won't cut it. Enjoy!
Provided by Anonymous
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Stir together olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl and let sit while you prepare the cucumber.
- Peel cucumber and cut in half lengthways; scrape out all the seeds. Grate cucumber with a cheese grater into a sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt. Strain out as much liquid as possible by pressing down in the sieve with the palm of your hand. Alternately you can wring cucumber out in a clean tea towel. Add cucumber and yogurt to the garlic mixture. Mix until well combined and season with salt to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.1 calories, Carbohydrate 5.6 g, Cholesterol 18.8 mg, Fat 17.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 81.2 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
TZATZIKI
We go to Greece as often as possible and I love Tzatziki, I more or less live on it whilst there. This is the most authentic recipe that I've ever come across, unfortunately in the UK people seem to think that you put mint in it but I've never had it that way whilst in Greece. This is taken directly from a cookbook I picked up whilst in Crete, its by Margaret Phoca called The Best Greek Dishes. The only alteration I make is I tend to reduce the oil to 2 or 3 tbsp just to make it more healthy and I use Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Cooking time is chilling time.
Provided by Lou van
Categories European
Time 1h5m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Add salt, oil, vinegar and minced garlic to the yoghurt and mix well.
- Add grated and drained cucumber and mix well.
- Chill for a couple of hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.8, Fat 17.1, SaturatedFat 2.2, Sodium 1.1, Carbohydrate 1.9, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.6, Protein 0.3
Tips:
- Use high-quality Greek yogurt for the best flavor and texture. Whole milk yogurt will give you a richer, creamier tzatziki.
- Make sure to drain the cucumbers well before adding them to the yogurt. This will help to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
- Grate the cucumbers instead of chopping them. This will help to release more of their flavor and make the tzatziki smoother.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dill and mint are the traditional herbs used in tzatziki, but you can also use parsley, thyme, or oregano.
- Add a little bit of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. You can also add a bit of garlic powder or minced garlic for a more savory flavor.
- Serve tzatziki with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or as a dip for chips or crudités.
Conclusion:
Tzatziki is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used as a dip, spread, or marinade. It is a staple of Greek cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world. With its fresh, tangy flavor and creamy texture, tzatziki is a surefire crowd-pleaser. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer or side dish, give tzatziki a try. You won't be disappointed!
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