Tzatziki Sauce Recipe The Mediterranean Dish from www.themediterraneandish.com
Introduction
Tzatziki sauce is a popular dip or condiment in Greek cuisine. It is made from strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, and various herbs and spices. This creamy and refreshing sauce is perfect for dipping pita bread, vegetables, or meat. It is also a great topping for gyros, souvlaki, or grilled fish. In this article, we will share with you an easy and delicious tzatziki sauce recipe that you can make at home.
Ingredients
To make tzatziki sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of Greek yogurt
1 medium cucumber, peeled and grated
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon of salt
A pinch of black pepper
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. It is made by straining the whey and liquid from regular yogurt, leaving a thicker and more concentrated yogurt. Greek yogurt is also higher in protein and lower in sugar than regular yogurt. You can use either full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt in this recipe.
Cucumber
Cucumber is the main ingredient in tzatziki sauce. It adds a refreshing and crunchy texture to the sauce. You should peel and grate the cucumber before adding it to the yogurt to avoid any bitterness. You can also remove the seeds if you prefer a smoother texture.
Garlic
Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to tzatziki sauce. You should mince the garlic finely to avoid any large chunks in the sauce. You can also use a garlic press to crush the garlic.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity and nutty flavor to tzatziki sauce. You should use a good quality olive oil for the best taste. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to tzatziki sauce. You should use a lemon squeezer or a fork to extract the juice from the lemon.
Fresh Dill
Fresh dill adds a fragrant and herbal flavor to tzatziki sauce. You should chop the dill finely before adding it to the sauce. You can also use other herbs, such as mint or parsley.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper add a balanced and savory flavor to tzatziki sauce. You should use a good quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
Instructions
To make tzatziki sauce, follow these simple steps:
Peel and grate the cucumber.
Place the grated cucumber in a sieve and sprinkle with salt.
Let the cucumber drain for 30 minutes to remove excess water.
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
Squeeze the excess water from the cucumber and add it to the yogurt mixture.
Stir the sauce until well combined.
Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, stir the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Enjoy your homemade tzatziki sauce!
Step 1: Peel and Grate the Cucumber
To prepare the cucumber, wash it and peel it with a vegetable peeler. Then, grate it using a box grater or a food processor. You should use the coarse side of the grater to get a chunky texture.
Step 2: Drain the Cucumber
To remove excess water from the cucumber, place it in a sieve or a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then squeeze the cucumber with your hands or a clean cloth to remove the water. This step is important to avoid a watery tzatziki sauce.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Cucumber
Squeeze the excess water from the cucumber and add it to the yogurt mixture. Stir the sauce until the cucumber is well distributed.
Step 5: Refrigerate the Sauce
Cover the sauce with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate the sauce overnight for a stronger flavor.
Step 6: Adjust the Seasoning
Before serving, stir the sauce and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Nutrition
Tzatziki sauce is a healthy and nutritious condiment. It is low in calories, fat, and sugar, and high in protein and calcium. One serving of tzatziki sauce (2 tablespoons) contains approximately:
30 calories
2 grams of fat
2 grams of carbohydrates
1 gram of sugar
2 grams of protein
4% of the daily value of calcium
Tzatziki sauce is also a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and boost the immune system.
Conclusion
Tzatziki sauce is a delicious and healthy condiment that you can easily make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this creamy and refreshing sauce with your favorite dishes. Whether you are dipping pita bread or topping gyros, tzatziki sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with your homemade tzatziki sauce!
