Tzatziki Sauce is a Middle Eastern creation that blends Greek yogurt with the zing of fresh cucumbers, oil, vinegar, lemon, and dill. This sauce is not just a condiment; it’s one of the most versatile sauces ever created.
WHAT IS TZATZIKI SAUCE?
If you’re not used to eating Middle Eastern or Greek food, you might not know about Tzatziki sauce. But don’t worry, it’s super tasty and easy to make. Basically, Tzatziki is a delicious sauce (condiment or dip) made with yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers. Sometimes people add other things like lemon juice, mint, or parsley to make it even more delicious.
This sauce is not only good for you, but it also goes great with lots of different foods. You can dip chicken, grilled veggies, pita chips, or gyros in it.
HOW TO MAKE TZATZIKI SAUCE:
- It all starts with selecting fresh cucumbers, ensuring they’re of good quality and finely chopping them. Peeling the cucumbers is optional – see notes below.
- After preparing the cucumbers, they’re combined with yogurt, a touch of oil, vinegar, garlic, lemon, and fresh dill. This concoction creates a burst of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
FAQs:
- What type of cucumbers should I use?
- Ideally, you should use English cucumbers. They have fewer seeds and a milder flavor compared to other types of cucumbers. However, if English cucumbers are unavailable, regular cucumbers can be used. Just make sure to peel them and remove the seeds if they’re large and watery.
- Should I peel the cucumbers before adding them to the sauce?
- It’s a matter of personal preference. While peeling the cucumbers isn’t necessary, it’s often recommended for aesthetic reasons and to ensure a smoother texture in the sauce.
- Do I need to remove the seeds from the cucumbers?
- If you’re using regular cucumbers, it’s a good idea to remove the seeds if they’re large and watery, as they can make the sauce too watery. English cucumbers typically have fewer and smaller seeds, so seed removal may not be necessary.
- Can I use Greek yogurt?
- Yes, Greek yogurt is commonly used for Tzatziki sauce due to its thick and creamy texture. However, regular yogurt can also be used if Greek yogurt is unavailable. If using regular yogurt and you prefer a thicker consistency similar to Greek yogurt, you can strain it using cheesecloth for a short period.
- Is it necessary to strain the yogurt before making Tzatziki sauce?
- While straining yogurt isn’t strictly necessary, it can help achieve a thicker consistency, especially if using regular yogurt. Straining the yogurt through cheesecloth for about 30 minutes can help remove excess moisture, resulting in a creamier sauce. However, if you prefer a lighter consistency, you can skip this step.
- How long does Tzatziki sauce last in the refrigerator?
- Tzatziki sauce can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
- Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
- While fresh dill is preferred for its vibrant flavor and aroma, dried dill can be used as a substitute if fresh dill is unavailable. However, it’s important to note that dried dill has a more concentrated flavor, so you’ll need to use less of it compared to fresh dill.
What to Serve with Tzatziki Sauce:
- Grill up some succulent Greek Chicken Kebobs and pair them with a delicious Greek salad to go alongside.
- Tzatziki sauce and Falafels are a match made in heaven!
- You can never go wrong with Homemade Hummus and ours takes it over the top with layers of olives, red peppers, pine nuts – drizzled in extra-virgin olive oil. It’s the bomb!
- Complete the meal with some warm pita bread (or naan) bread and you have yourself a huge meal with minimal effort.
HOMEMADE TZATZIKI SAUCE
Like this recipe? Pin it to your SAUCE board!
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook and Pinterest!
Print
How to Make the Worlds Best Tzatziki Sauce
Description
Light, fresh cucumbers are finely diced and combined with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon and fresh dill for one of the most refreshing and versatile sauces out there!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ Tablespoon Vinegar
- 1–2 Cloves Organic Garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Organic Lemon Juice
- 1 ½ Cups Whole Greek Yogurt, strained with cheese cloth if you have time
½ Organic English Cucumber, diced very small, excess water rung out - 2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill, minced
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt and fresh pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the cucumber and either dicing by hand into very small pieces or put in a small food processor and pulse until there are little chunks.
- Strain the excess liquid from the cucumber in a paper towel by ringing dry and then place the cucumber on a dry paper towel until ready to combine with the rest of the ingreidents.
- Combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined. Using a whisk, blend in the yogurt.
- Finally, add the cucumber and chopped fresh dill.
- Chill for at least two hours before serving.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS:
GREEK CHICKEN KEBOBS
HOMEMADE NAAN BREAD
Notes
Some recipes have substituted fresh parsley or fresh mint in place of the dill while others have added about ¼ Cup of Feta cheese as well.
Hello, you listed vinegar in the ingredients but didn’t specify what kind? There are lot of different vinegars
White wine or champagne vinegar is what I used for this recipe