Tzatziki Sauce: A Fresh & Fragrant Greek Delight
How to Make Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Experience the authentic taste of Greece with this classic Tzatziki sauce, a beloved condiment made from creamy Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, garlic, and olive oil. It’s incredibly popular in Greece and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and seafood to fresh vegetables. Spread it on warm bread for an irresistible treat. This detailed guide will help you create this delicious sauce, perfect for enhancing any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 fresh cucumber
- 3 sprigs of fresh dill (or your preferred herb)
- 200g plain Greek yogurt
Seasoning & Others- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. You can peel it or leave the skin on, then thinly julienne it. Using a mandoline slicer will make it easier to achieve thin, uniform strips.
Step 2
Place the julienned cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with about 1/2 Tbsp of salt (adjust to your preference). Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. You’ll notice a significant amount of liquid being released.
Step 3
Once the cucumber has released its liquid, place it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towels. Squeeze out as much water as possible. Removing all excess moisture is crucial to prevent the sauce from becoming watery later on.
Step 4
Finely chop the fresh dill. Rinse the dill sprigs, pat them dry, and then mince them finely with a knife. The fragrant dill will significantly enhance the flavor of your Tzatziki sauce.
Step 5
In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, 200g of thick Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice, 1 Tbsp of olive oil, the finely chopped dill, and 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic. Stir everything together with a spatula or spoon until well combined. Taste and add a pinch or two of salt if needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
Step 6
Your delicious Tzatziki sauce is now ready!
Step 7
Serve this refreshing sauce with warm pita bread, fresh vegetable sticks, grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. The cool cucumber and fragrant dill, combined with the richness of olive oil, create a delightful texture and taste reminiscent of a creamy cheese spread. Enjoy!
