Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-cucumber dip that can be served as an appetizer, dip, and with a variety of foods. This sauce is perfect served with Gyros or without any side dish. Below you will find two recipes: choose whichever suits your taste. Get started with Step 1 below or take a look at the section list above and go straight to the recipe you want!
Ingredients
Original (Greek Style)
- 700 ml unflavored Greek yogurt (Greek Gods yogurt in the United States and Total Greek Yogurt in the UK are two recommended brands because they have the right texture, however, the thicker the yogurt you choose the better)
- 1 cucumber (English Cucumber for fewer seeds or Kirby cucumber for a stronger flavour)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Fresh Oregano
- Fresh dill
- High quality Extra virgin Olive Oil (note the harvest date and be prepared to spend more if you want the best taste)
Chunky (American Style)
- 2 packs of unflavored yogurt containing 1 L. each
- 4 medium cucumbers or 2 large cucumbers
- 1 garlic bulb
- 2 large lemons
- olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon finely ground white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
Step
Method 1 of 2: Original Recipe
Step 1. Peel and prepare your cucumbers
Peel the cucumber, cut it into thirds or quarters, and then use the core remover with a tool to remove the center of the apple.
Step 2. Grate the cucumber
With the flat part of the cucumber resting on a large grater, grate the cucumber coarsely. The pieces don't have to be too small.
Step 3. Dry the cucumbers
Place the grated cucumber in a colander and pass the liquid into the bowl. Press the cucumber into the bottom of the colander to allow any remaining liquid to escape. Set aside the water droplets and cucumber.
Step 4. Prepare the garlic
Finely chop the garlic or use a tool to press it. Then mix the garlic together with a little olive oil and half a tablespoon of salt, if available, preferably using a mortar and pestle, but you can also use a bowl and fork or a potato mash.
Step 5. Dry the yogurt
Line a filter with a coffee filter and pour the yogurt into it. Dry the yogurt for about 15 minutes, stir gently (don't shake the sieve) and let it dry for another 15 minutes.
Step 6. Mix the main ingredients together
Combine yogurt, drained cucumber and garlic mixture together in a glass or stainless steel bowl.
Step 7. Add the spices
Now, there are several options here. Different regions of Greece use different spices, and tzatziki is prepared with spices that are no longer traditional in other countries. You can choose whichever you prefer, or mix: the juice of 2 lemons, wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon mint. However, almost all spices use black pepper for flavor.
Step 8. Leave it until the taste is absorbed
Cover with plastic wrap or place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Twelve hours will give the final tzatziki a more delicious taste. Cucumber juice can be used to change the texture of the sauce so that it is suitable for salads or meat sauces, or add a little to enhance the taste of the cucumbers in the sauce.
Step 9. Done
Enjoy Your Authentic Greek Tzatziki! Traditionally, this sauce is served in a bowl with bread to be dipped and topped with olive oil, some whole kalamata olives and sprigs of oregano or other fresh herbs.
Method 2 of 2: Chunky Recipe
Step 1. Gather the materials you will need
You can find the ingredients you need in the materials section.
Step 2. Prepare the cucumbers
Peel the cucumber and cut it into four long slices. Then, use a spoon to scoop out all the cucumber seeds.
Step 3. Chop the cucumber
Chop the cucumbers and dry them in a sieve to remove excess liquid. This excess of liquid can cause the tzatziki to become too runny.
Step 4. Peel and chop the garlic
Peel and chop the garlic you need. Maybe a few cloves or the whole tuber, for flavor. Chop the garlic and put it in a food processor along with the olive oil. Blend this mixture until smooth and leaving no more grains.
Step 5. Dry the yogurt
Line the filter with a coffee filter and then pour the yogurt into it. Dry for about 15 minutes, stir gently (do not change the filter position) and allow to dry again for another 15 minutes.
Step 6. Mix the ingredients
Place the garlic, cucumber and yogurt together in a large glass or stainless steel bowl. Then add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with lemon juice if you wish.
Step 7. Mix all ingredients together
Stir with an egg beater or a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly mixed. You may want to taste it first and adjust the ingredients to your taste. Remember the taste will get stronger as the flavors come together.
Step 8. Cool the tzatziki
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving. During this time the garlic will completely release its flavor.
Step 9. Enjoy
Tips
- You may need to adjust the amount of pepper and salt to your taste.
- Use plain yogurt instead of vanilla or other flavors.
- The Tzatziki will taste better the next day and will last in the refrigerator for several days.
- You may need to reduce the amount of garlic according to your taste.
