TZATZIKI - CREAMY MEDITERRANEAN CUCUMBER MEZE

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Tzatziki - Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Meze image

Is it a dip? Is it a sauce? YES!! There is almost nothing more refreshing in the hot summer months than a cool cucumber dip or dressing. Tzatziki is a versatile topping for many fresh vegetables, meats, crackers and can even serve as spread for bread or pizza. The addition of full fat Greek Yogurt makes it a tangy and...

Provided by Kristin Flannery

Categories     Dips

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 c greek yogurt (whole fat)
1 c sour cream (whole fat)
1 large english cucumber (peel, grate and strain)
6 clove garlic (finely minced)
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 to 1 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
1/2 to 1 Tbsp optional: orange juice (fresh squeezed)
2 Tbsp olive oil (good quality)
1 - 2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 to 2 Tbsp fresh dill (chopped fine)
1 to 2 Tbsp fresh mint (chopped fine)
1 tsp optional: lemon zest
Few dash(es) cayenne pepper
Drizzle optional: agave
Drizzle light virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • 1. In a fine mesh strainer, combine Greek Yogurt and sour cream. Stir well and allow liquid to drain for about 30 minutes. (Liquid can be saved and used in a smoothie!).
  • 2. After finely grating cucumber (I use a mini food processor), turn into a 12-inch square of cheese cloth or a tea towel and place in a strainer. Twist cloth several times to drain juice. (The strained juice over ice with a little squeeze of lemon is a delightful beverage!!).
  • 3. In a small bowl combine garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, white pepper and black pepper. Allow garlic mixture to sit about 10 minutes before adding.
  • 4. In a large measuring cup (I use an 8 cup) or bowl, combine strained yogurt and sour cream. Add grated, drained cucumber. Stir well to combine. This should be very creamy.
  • 5. Add garlic mixture and stir to combine. Add finely chopped dill and finely chopped mint. At this point, if a little sweetness is needed, I add a 1/2 to 1 Tlb. fresh orange juice and a dusting of lemon zest. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate.
  • 6. The flavors of Tzatziki develop after refrigeration. After about an hour, I adjust flavors with more salt, cracked pepper and even a little drizzle of Agave (if too tart), cover and return to the fridge for several more hours.
  • 7. While chilling, prepare veggies for dipping, Crostini crackers, Pita bread slices, meatballs - whatever you would like to serve with the Tzatziki.
  • 8. When ready to serve, stir well and then place into a glass serving bowl. I usually top it with a drizzle of light olive oil, a light dusting of Cayenne pepper, a few pitted Greek olives and a small sprig of fresh dill and/or mint.

Denique Reynolds-Montaque
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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy appetizer or snack. I love the combination of cucumber, yogurt, and garlic. It's always a crowd-pleaser.


Talitha Louw
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I've tried many tzatziki recipes over the years, but this one is by far the best. It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. I highly recommend it!


Lexi Tenorio
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This tzatziki is so good! I love the creamy texture and the tangy flavor. It's the perfect addition to any Mediterranean meal.


Gaylen Miller
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I made this recipe for a party, and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about it. I'll definitely be making it again for my next gathering.


Neil Cordy
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This is the best tzatziki I've ever had! The flavors are so well-balanced and refreshing. I could eat it every day.


Atuhaire Rinah
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I'm not a huge fan of cucumbers, but I love this tzatziki. The yogurt and herbs really mellow out the cucumber flavor. I like to serve it with pita chips or falafel.


Carol SongBird
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I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this recipe was to make. I've tried other tzatziki recipes before, but they were always too complicated or time-consuming. This one is so simple, and it tastes just as good, if not better, than the ones I've had


Khem Bk
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This recipe is a keeper! It's become a staple in my kitchen. I love how it brightens up any meal. I often add a bit of lemon zest to give it an extra zing.


Kaitlyn Spicer
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This was my first time making tzatziki, and it turned out amazing! I was a bit worried it would be too garlicky, but it was perfectly balanced. The cucumbers were nice and crisp, and the yogurt was creamy and tangy. I'll definitely be making this aga


Akaho Dodzidenu Worlanyo
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I love how versatile this recipe is. I've used it as a dip for vegetables and crackers, a sauce for grilled meats, and even as a spread for sandwiches. It always turns out delicious.


Martins Orjiakor
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This tzatziki recipe is an absolute winner! It's super easy to make and packed with so much flavor. The combination of cucumber, yogurt, and garlic is just perfect, and the addition of herbs like dill and mint gives it a nice freshness. I served it w