Best 5 Authentic Turkish Cacik Recipes

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**Introduction:**

Originating from the culinary heritage of Turkey, Cacık, also known as Tzatziki, is a refreshing and versatile yogurt-based cucumber dip that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This delectable dish holds a prominent place in Turkish cuisine and is often served as a refreshing appetizer, a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats, or as a cooling dip for vegetables. Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Cacık, as we delve into the authentic Turkish recipe using fresh, wholesome ingredients, along with variations such as vegan, keto, and Greek-style Cacık. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this creamy, tangy, and aromatic dip that's perfect for any occasion.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

TURKISH YOGURT WITH CUCUMBERS AND HERBS (CACıK)



Turkish Yogurt With Cucumbers and Herbs (Cacık) image

Cacık is a cold, crunchy, refreshing yogurt side dish that goes well with grilled meats. If you like tzatziki, you'll love making easy Turkish cacik.

Provided by Elizabeth Taviloglu

Categories     Sauce     Condiment

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

18 oz/500 g yogurt (plain)
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup cold water
2 to 3 cucumbers (peeled and finely diced)
Optional: 1 to 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped, or 1 to 2 tsp. garlic powder)
1 tsp. salt (more or less to taste)
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. oregano (dried)
Optional: 1/4 tsp. hot red pepper flakes (or sweet paprika)
Garnish: 1/4 cup dill weed (fresh, finely chopped or 1 tsp. dried dill weed)
Garnish: 1/4 cup mint leaves (fresh, finely chopped or 1/2 tsp. dried mint)

Steps:

  • First, whisk the yogurt and olive oil together to make a smooth mixture. Gradually whisk in the water until you get the consistency you want. Some prefer their 'cacık' watery while some like it thick. It's completely up to you.
  • Next add the cucumbers, garlic, and spices and mix thoroughly until smooth. Adjust the spices to your taste.
  • It is best to refrigerate your 'cacık' for a few hours before serving. Serve your ice-cold 'cacık' in small, decorative bowls. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil in the center of each one. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh mint or dill weed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 133 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 675 mg, Sugar 11 g, Fat 6 g, ServingSize 4 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

TURKISH CACIK (YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)



Turkish Cacik (Yogurt and Cucumber Dip) image

This is a great recipe for a traditional yogurt and cucumber dip or sauce, flavored with garlic and fresh mint or dill.

Provided by Saad Fayed

Categories     Sauces

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cucumbers (peeled and grated)
16 oz. yogurt ( plain , cold)
2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
1 tablespoon mint (fresh, chopped, or dill)
Salt to taste
Garnish: drizzle of olive oil

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • In a mixing bowl , combine the grated cucumbers and minced garlic. Add salt to taste.
  • Mix in the yogurt with a wooden spoon, and transfer to a serving bowl.
  • Garnish with the mint or dill, and drizzle olive oil on top. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 114 mg, Sugar 5 g, Fat 3 g, ServingSize 16 ounces (8 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

TURKISH CACIK



Turkish Cacik image

A refreshing dish that usually takes place of a plate of salad. Very refreshing on hot summer days. Can be used as an appetizer or as a dip.

Provided by ErOnur

Categories     Vegetable

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups plain yogurt
3 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced very small
2 cloves garlic, diced very small
salt
2 tablespoons ground and dried mint
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Place yoghurt in a large bowl.
  • Add all other ingredients, except salt and water, and mix thoroughly.
  • Add water until required consistency is achieved.
  • Stir in some salt, taste and add more if required.
  • Chill in refrigerator for about two hours before serving.

AUTHENTIC TURKISH CACIK



Authentic Turkish Cacik image

Hi I got this recipe whilst staying in Turkey with my Dad and his friends. I make it all the time and it is a big hit in the summer at barbeques! It's different to the usual recipes where you use cucumber and mint as they tend to have a more Greek/Indian flavour to them. I sometimes use rocket in this dish but it's not necessary, however if you do, use very little ( few leaves finely chopped) as it will taste rather funky!

Provided by CarlyBug

Categories     Turkish

Time 3h10m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

250 g Greek yogurt or 250 g homemade yoghurt
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
85 watercress
2 -3 medium sized garlic cloves
2 -3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Roughly tear the watercress using your hands, if you are using rocket then finely chop and mix in with watercress,now thinly line the bottom of your dish with these leaves(casserole dishes are ideal).
  • Pour however much Greek yoghurt you would like over the watercress and using a spoon even out the yoghurt.
  • Finely chop your garlic. Personal preference as to how much use use as I am a garlic lover and I tend to overdo it but I use 2 medium sized cloves when making it for new tastebuds! Sprinle the garlic evenly over the yoghurt and using the spoon gently mix into the yoghurt layer.
  • Now sprinkle a very tiny amount of lemon and lime juice over the Cacik.
  • Finally drizzle olive oil over the Cacik and leave to settle for a few hours in the fridge.
  • Serve with Kofte, as an appetizer at barbeques or with whatever you fancy. It is also best when you use fresh bread and dip into the Cacik.

SPICY LAMB KABOBS WITH TURKISH CACIK



Spicy Lamb Kabobs With Turkish Cacik image

Posting for ZWT 6. If you are looking for a kabob with a kick, this is it! Lamb is marinaded in a spicy blend of herbs, creating a flavorful lamb kabob. Cacik has a million different uses. Use as a dip for kebabs, pita dip, or eat it alone, it has the most fabulous flavor.

Provided by JackieOhNo

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 lbs lamb, cubes about 1 inches each
2 green peppers
2 pints cherry tomatoes
2 onions
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon turmeric (or more if desired, depending on how spicy you desire)
1 pinch ground red pepper or 1 pinch cayenne
2 cucumbers, peeled and grated
16 ounces cold plain yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon of fresh mint
salt
olive oil

Steps:

  • Make Cacik: In a mixing bowl, combine cucumbers and garlic. Add salt to taste. Mix in yogurt with wooden spoon. Transfer to serving bowl. Garnish with mint and drizzle olive oil on top. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.
  • Prepare skewers by spraying a light coat of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place lamb and vegetables on skewers. Grill spicy lamb kebabs for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. Serve with hummus, baba ghannouj, or turkish cacik, a cucumber yogurt sauce for dipping.

Tips:

  • For the best cacik, use high-quality, fresh ingredients. The cucumbers should be crisp and have a mild flavor, the yogurt should be thick and creamy, and the garlic should be fresh and pungent.
  • Be sure to chill the cacik for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Cacik is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course. It can be served with grilled meats, kebabs, or falafel. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack.
  • If you don't have any fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. Just be sure to use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs.
  • Cacik can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it is best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion:

Cacik is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it garlicky, tangy, or mild, cacik is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give cacik a try. You won't be disappointed!

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