Cacik Recipe

Name: Olive Tree Restaurant Bedfords CACIK Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups full-fat plain yogurt; 1.5 cups cucumber (English/seeded), peeled and grated; 2 tbs garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbs fresh lemon juice; 2 tbs fresh mint, finely chopped; 1 tbs fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 tsp sea salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs extra olive oil for drizzling; 0.5 tsp dried mint or crushed pepper flakes (garnish)

Inspired by Olive Tree Restaurant Bedford

Time30m

Serves4

Yogurt with cucumber, mint, dill, and garlic.

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Ingredients

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Cacık Base

3 cups full-fat plain yogurt

1 1/2 cups cucumber (English/seeded), peeled and grated

2 tbs Garlic cloves, minced

2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbs fresh lemon juice

Herbs & Seasoning

2 tbs fresh mint, finely chopped

1 tbs fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

To Serve (optional)

1 tbs extra olive oil for drizzling

1/2 tsp dried mint or crushed pepper flakes (garnish)

Method

Prepare Cucumbers

Grate and Drain

Peel the cucumbers if the skin is thick. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds if watery. Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit 5 minutes to draw out excess liquid. Squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible and transfer the drained cucumber to a bowl.

Make Yogurt Base

Prepare Yogurt

If you prefer a thicker cacık, whisk the yogurt in a bowl until smooth. Optionally strain yogurt through cheesecloth for 30 minutes to achieve Greek-yogurt thickness. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until combined.

Season

Add sea salt and black pepper to the yogurt mixture and taste; adjust seasoning as desired.

Combine & Finish

Fold the drained grated cucumber into the seasoned yogurt. Add the chopped mint and dill and mix until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust salt, lemon, or garlic if needed.

Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top, and sprinkle with dried mint or crushed pepper flakes if using. Chill for at least 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld (optional) before serving.