If hummus is year round comfort food, tzatziki positively sings of summer! This Greek dip is cool and creamy, tangy and herbal. It has reached condiment status in our house and it would be as unthinkable to run out of tzatziki as it would ketchup! Here is a little Greek inspiration, where it seems to show up alongside every plate:
Tzatziki makes a great dip for veggies; it elevates any simple grilled meat or fish. Mediterranean diet? Tzatziki is the natural complement for most meals. It is also a simple and delicious way to add dairy and calcium to your diet.
Ingredient Notes
Greek Yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute regular plain yogurt, although it needs to be drained through cheesecloth or coffee filters overnight first. Full fat yogurt will be more luxurious, although 2% still makes a very nice tzatziki.
Dill: I have written this recipe for dried dill, but fresh is even better. Finely chop the leaves (discard the stems) and use 3x as much.
Garlic: I usually use garlic powder, but you may substitute 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic, very finely minced.
Vinegar: I usually use white vinegar, but red wine vinegar may be substituted.
Proportions: The beauty of tzatziki is that you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes. Add more or less garlic or dill.
Tzatziki
A delicious and versatile Greek yogurt dip
Ingredients
- 1 qt Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber
- 1 1/2 tsp dill dry
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 T olive oil
- 1 T vinegar white or red wine
Instructions
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Peel and grate the cucumber. Squeeze out as much water as you can,
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Add cucumber and the remaining ingredients to a medium size bowl. Mix well and adjust seasonings to taste.
Tzatziki Pictorial
It seems obvious, but take a minute to make sure you have everything before you start. Here, all of the ingredients are out and ready to go.
The first step is to peel and grate the cucumber. You will see a lot of liquid released as you do this. It is important to squeeze out the cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki.
Mixed and ready to eat! This comes together so quickly you can make it while the grill is heating.
That’s it! Now go dip something! Try crudites, Syrian bread or even chips. Spread it on a sandwich in place of mayonnaise. Try some on pizza or stirred into potato salad.
What’s your favorite? Leave a note in the comments!
Always a treat through out the summer