Tzatziki

20 min
Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a favourite in Greek cuisine. Just as good with meat and salad as it is for dipping vegetables and bread in.

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Ingredients

Cucumber
½
Salt
½ tsp
Greek yoghurt
200 ml
Finely grated clove of garlic
1
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Roughly grate the cucumber and put it in a strainer. Sprinkle salt on the cucumber and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
  • Squeeze out the juice and mix the cucumber with yoghurt, garlic, and pepper.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

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Enjoy!

consistency

The proper preparation of the cucumber is crucial for achieving the right consistency. After grating the cucumber, using the coarse side of a box grater, let it sit in a fine mesh sieve and then squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step prevents the dip from becoming watery and ensures a pleasantly thick texture.

Chilling the dip

It is a good idea to cover the tzatziki and refrigerate it for a few hours once everything is combined. This allows the flavours to meld and intensify, while the pungent garlic aroma has time to mellow, ensuring a pleasant bite. Keeping the dip chilled until you are ready to serve it also helps maintain its cool, refreshing taste and creamy texture.

Questions about tzatziki

With this easy homemade tzatziki recipe, you can savour a taste of Mediterranean with just a handful of simple ingredients. Want to know how? Keep on reading to find out more.

How do you get the bitter taste out of tzatziki sauce?

Your main ingredient – the cucumber – is often the culprit. To avoid this, make sure that you choose the right variety: English and Persian cucumbers have very little, or no, bitterness. Also sample a slice before grating and avoid using the ends as this is where the bitter compounds will be most concentrated. If you have already made the sauce, try adding some salt (or a very small amount of sugar), two ingredients that are proven to reduce our ability to taste bitterness.

Why is my tzatziki runny?

A runny consistency is usually the result of not squeezing enough water out of your grated cucumber. Getting it right is a three-step process: sprinkle salt on the grated cucumber, let it sit for at least 15 minutes and then squeeze all excess liquid out before adding it to the rest of your ingredients.

How do you grate a cucumber for tzatziki without a grater?

Your best option would be to use the trusty knife and cutting board combo. Grab your sharpest paring knife and divide your cucumber into three equal parts (remember to discard the ends as they could turn your sauce bitter). Cutting lengthwise, create as thin strips as possible. Once done, stack the strips as best you can and cut them into smaller matchstick shapes and then dice into smaller pieces.

Can you freeze tzatziki?

Yes, you can freeze tzatziki for up to 3 months. Transfer to an airtight container or a freezer-safe jar. You may want to split it into individual portions, making it easier to defrost later. When you are ready to use the frozen tzatziki, thaw it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir to recombine the ingredients. Keep in mind that the texture might not be the same as freshly made tzatziki, but it still makes for a tasty dip.

How long does tzatziki last?

Tzatziki can typically last for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to minimise exposure to air and store it in the coldest part of your fridge, away from the door. If it develops an off smell or becomes discoloured, it should be discarded.

How to drain cucumbers for tzatziki?

After coarsely grating the cucumbers, place them in a sieve or colander set over a bowl. Remember to sprinkle a generous pinch of salt over the grated cucumbers to draw out excess moisture, which helps prevent the dip from becoming watery. Let the cucumbers sit and drain for about 30 minutes. Finally, gently squeeze out any remaining moisture from the cucumbers using your hands or a clean cloth. Draining the cucumbers properly ensures a creamy, undiluted consistency.

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Make this homemade tzatziki a part of your barbecue table

Homemade tzatziki is a delightful addition to any barbecue table, offering a taste of Greece at your summer parties. The refreshing taste and creamy texture are the perfect complement to grilled meats, veggies, and other barbecue fare. The combination of cool cucumber and tangy sour cream brings a Mediterranean flair to your meal, while the simple preparation process makes it an easy choice if you are a busy host. Just remember to allow enough time for the dip to chill in the fridge, as this step is crucial for developing the perfect flavour and consistency.

An easy recipe with few ingredients

One of the best things about the Greek condiment is that it only requires a handful of ingredients, namely sour cream, crushed garlic, freshly ground pepper, cucumber, and salt. These simple components come together to create a delicious, refreshing dip that can elevate any meal. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures a burst of flavour that will keep your guests coming back for more. Despite its simplicity, this dip offers an exciting taste experience, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

A soft and garlicky feature for summer lunches and dinners

Tzatziki is an ideal choice for summer lunches and dinners, thanks to its garlicky flavour and cool, soothing texture. The garlic adds a punch of flavour and depth to the creamy sour cream base, making it a satisfying accompaniment to a variety of dishes. The versatile side is perfect for casual lunches, elegant dinners, and everything in between, adding a touch of Mediterranean charm to your summer table and introducing your guests to the joys of Greek cuisine while leaving a lasting impression on their palates.

Cucumbers as the key ingredient – a refreshing crunch

Cucumbers are the star ingredient in tzatziki, providing a refreshing crunch that sets this dip apart from others. The grated cucumbers add a light, fresh quality, making it perfect for warm summer days when you need a cool appetiser. The subtle flavour allows the other ingredients to shine while contributing a pleasant, crisp texture that is sure to delight with every bite and transports your taste buds to sun-soaked shores and azure seas.

What to eat with tzatziki

Tzatziki is the gift that keeps on giving, so it is no wonder that it goes well with a wide array of dishes. With its roots in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, it is the perfect accompaniment to many traditional recipes. It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables and also serves as a condiment for grilled meats like lamb, chicken, or beef. Classic Greek dishes, such as souvlaki, gyros, and stuffed grape leaves, become even more delectable when accompanied by tzatziki.

But the versatility of the creamy condiment does not end there. It also shines as a dressing for salads, a spread for sandwiches, and even as a topping for baked potatoes. With its ability to elevate a variety of dishes, it is a must-have addition to your recipe collection, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen and impress your guests with a taste of Mediterranean-inspired flavours.

Looking for more delicious things to eat with tzatziki? Enjoy with our recipes for lamb skewers, grilled corn on the cob, or grilled peach salad.

Add your own touch

Personalising your tzatziki recipe is an enjoyable process that allows you to explore the distinct flavours of various herbs and spices. By adjusting the amount of garlic in the recipe, you can find the perfect balance of bold, pungent notes to suit your taste. Experimenting with herbs, such as fresh mint or dill, can introduce a refreshing, aromatic twist that stays true to the traditional tzatziki recipes.

You can also incorporate additional spices or seasonings, like a dash of paprika, which can add subtle warmth and depth to the dip, while a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavours and imparts a zesty tang. Try experimenting with different types of yoghurt and sour cream, such as full-fat or low-fat options, to find the perfect balance of creaminess and richness that suits your preferences. By making these creative adjustments, you can transform the classic Greek dip into a personalised creation that showcases the vibrant flavours of your favourite herbs, spices, and yoghurt.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/tzatziki/