Garlicky Greek Yogurt And Cucumber Sauce (Tzatziki)
Get ready to Indulge in the irresistible allure of garlicky Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce named “Tzatziki.” In today’s mouthwatering post, we will unravel the secrets behind this velvety and refreshing sauce and learn the easy technique on how to create this special Greek-style condiment with aromatic fresh garlic cloves, crisp English cucumbers, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. This special Greek yogurt sauce helps elevate your dishes, awaken your senses, and leave you craving more. It is a must-have for any Souvlaki, Mediterranean yellow rice, Shawarma, Shish Tawook, Kofta Kebabs, Pita bread, and more.
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In my recent blog post on “Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Souvlaki,” I introduced the incredible combination of tangy Greek Tzatziki sauce and succulent pork skewers. Today, I am thrilled to share the simple steps to create this heavenly sauce. With six ingredients and a trusty food processor, you can effortlessly whip up this sauce to elevate any ordinary dish into a Mediterranean masterpiece.
Recipe Snapshot
EASE: Only require six ingredients, blend and served.
PROS: It’s very versatile, you can use it as a sauce, dip, or condiments to add extra flavor to your dish.
CONS: Your family will start fighting for this.
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? Absolutely, especially when I am making Souvlaki skewers.
What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a unique Greek sauce or dip that adds a delightful flavor to many Mediterranean dishes. Think of it like a cool breeze on a summer day; it brings a refreshing and tangy taste to your hot Greek dish. The ingredients are simple, mainly a mixture of plain Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings. Tzatziki sauce is versatile; it can be used as a dipping sauce for warm pita bread or grilled souvlaki. But it also doubles as a cooling agent to naturalize spicy food. Tzatziki is a must-have in your culinary arsenal. Its creamy, tangy, and herbaceous profile adds freshness to any Mediterranean dish.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
This recipe is so easy to prepare with just six simple ingredients, and this sauce is a versatile and essential addition to your culinary repertoire. It can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary creations. Use it as a dip, salad dressing, condiments, or sauce to help add a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes such as salads, Shawarma wraps with Lebanese garlic sauce, grilled meats, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Kofta Kebabs, Shish Tawook, and more. This sauce can also be a great appetizer with pita bread, pita chips, veggies, or a side dish.
What is the difference between Greek and Plain yogurt?
Greek Yogurt:
- The texture of this yogurt is thicker and creamier because it was strained multiple times during the production process to remove the whey.
- It is commonly used in recipes with a thicker consistency, such as dips and sauces.
- During the staining process, it removes some of the lactose, resulting in Greek yogurt being lower in carbohydrates but higher in fat.
- Greek yogurt is typically more expensive due to the additional straining process.
Plain Yogurt:
- The taste is slightly tangier compared to the mild flavor of Greek Yogurt.
- It generally contains a higher water content than Greek yogurt. Therefore, its texture is lighter and more liquid.
- Plain yogurt is often consumed independently or used in lighter recipes like smoothies or dressings.
- It costs less than Greek yogurt.
Which is the best yogurt to use to make Greek Tzatziki?
For this recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations of Greek yogurt for your tzatziki. While testing this recipe, I used whole-milk Greek yogurt; you can substitute it with low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt if desired. However, I suggest you avoid regular plain or nonfat yogurt because the consistency is less thick and creamy, which is not ideal for this recipe.
Ingredients that you’ll need to make this yogurt dip:
- Plain Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy and tangy base of the Tzatziki sauce, providing a refreshing and light texture.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the sauce, enhancing its freshness and balancing the richness of the yogurt.
- Fresh dill: Infuses the Tzatziki with a distinctive herbaceous taste, contributing to its authentic Mediterranean character.
- Sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring a well-seasoned and balanced sauce.
- English cucumber: Grated or finely chopped cucumber adds a refreshing and cool element to the Tzatziki, providing a pleasant crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: They bring a pungent and aromatic kick to the sauce, infusing it with its characteristic flavor and adding depth.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations:
Try with Sour Cream:
Incorporating sour cream will give the sauce a creamier and slightly tangy taste. Simply substitute a portion of the Greek yogurt with an equal amount of sour cream to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.
Herb Variations:
Experiment with different herbs to add a unique twist to your Tzatziki sauce. Substitute the dill with fresh mint for a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile.
How to make Greek Tzatziki sauce?
Step 1: Cucumber Preparation
Take half of the English cucumber and cut it into small pieces. Put the cut cucumber pieces into the food processor. Reserve the remaining half and slice it into thin pieces for decorative purposes, or turn them into a refreshing Greek Salad when serving your dish.
Step 2: Ingredient Preparation and Mixing
Gather all the necessary ingredients, including Greek Yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic, cucumbers, and salt. Place them in a food processor.
Step3: Blend and serve:
Blend all the ingredients in the food processor until well combined. Once the Tzatziki sauce is done, you can drizzle some sauce on your cooked souvlaki skewers or dip it with your warm pita bread.
Ta-Da!!!
Served this tangy sauce as a dip or drizzle on your Souvlaki skewers. Just be creative!
Tips and tricks for this recipe:
Use fresh ingredients for perfect Tzatziki:
For the best Tzatziki sauce, use fresh ingredients. I once substituted dried dill and bottled lemon juice, resulting in an unpleasant taste. Fresh dill and squeezed lemon juice make a significant difference, so ensure all ingredients are fresh when making homemade Tzatziki.
Let it chill before serving:
Once you’ve prepared the tzatziki, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This time will allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the taste of the sauce.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Tzatziki sauce can typically be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. It is essential to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Over time, the sauce may lose its flavor, and the cucumbers release water, affecting the texture. Therefore, it is best to consume Tzatziki sauce within a few days of preparing it to enjoy its optimal taste and quality.
Freezing:
Freezing Tzatziki sauce is not recommended. The texture and consistency of the sauce can change when frozen and thawed, resulting in a watery or separated consistency. Additionally, freezing can affect the freshness and flavor of the ingredients, particularly the cucumbers and herbs. It’s best to enjoy Tzatziki sauce fresh for optimal taste and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for a few days and avoid freezing.
FAQs about this Tzatziki sauce:
Do you want to have a Greek-style feast tonight? Try to pair it with these recipes:
In Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Garlicky Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Sauce, or Tzatziki, epitomizes Mediterranean flavors and is a culinary delight. Its creamy texture, tangy taste, and refreshing notes of cucumber and dill will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece. Whether planning a backyard barbecue, a casual gathering with friends, or simply craving a burst of flavor in your everyday meals, this versatile sauce is the perfect companion.
So don’t wait. Grab your ingredients, blend them, and let this homemade Tzatziki elevate your dishes to new heights of deliciousness.
I hope you will enjoy this recipe, Opa!
Did you make this recipe?
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Garlicky Greek Yogurt And Cucumber Sauce (Tzatziki)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 oz
Description
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade Tzatziki sauce with this easy and refreshing recipe. Made with fresh ingredients, including Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and dill, this sauce elevates any dish to new heights. With tips to enhance the taste and suggestions for variations, you’ll discover endless possibilities to incorporate this creamy delight into your culinary repertoire. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
1 1/2 Cup of Plain Greek yogurt
5 oz of English cucumber
1 Freshly squeezed lemon juice or (1/4 Cup of bottled lemon juice)
0.1 oz of Fresh Dill
0.5 oz of Garlic cloves
1 teaspoon of Sea Salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Ingredient Preparation and Mixing
Gather all the necessary ingredients, including Greek Yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic, and salt. Place them in a food processor.
Step 2: Cucumber Preparation
Take half of the English cucumber and cut it into small pieces. Put the cut cucumber pieces into the food processor. Reserve the remaining half and slice it into thin pieces for decorative purposes when serving your dish.
Step3: Blend and serve:
Blend all the ingredients in the food processor until well combined. Once the Tzatziki sauce is done, you can drizzle some sauce on your cooked souvlaki skewers or dip it with your warm pita bread.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for perfect Tzatziki.
Let the Tzatziki chill before serving.
Try incorporating sour cream for a creamier and tangier taste.
Experiment with herb variations like fresh mint.
Store Tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Avoid freezing Tzatziki as it can affect the texture and flavor. Enjoy it fresh.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Greek cuisine, Tzatziki, Mediterranean dish, summer grilling, Greek Yogurt, Dill, cucumber, lemon, refreshing condiment, dip, sauce, dressing.
