Tzatziki Recipe

Tzatziki Directions

1. 1

   Prepare the Cucumber

   Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly. Peel it if desired, and then cut it in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds to remove excess moisture.

2. 2

   Grate the Cucumber

   Grate the cucumber into a bowl using a box grater. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can finely chop it instead.

3. 3

   Drain Excess Water

   Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist it to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.

4. 4

   Mix Ingredients

   In a mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic (use a garlic press or finely chop), chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. 5

   Adjust Seasoning

   Taste the tzatziki and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed.

6. 6

   Chill the Tzatziki

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. 7

   Serve

   Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or use it as a sauce for grilled meats and gyros.