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Tzatziki, creamy, spicy with cool cucumber and garlic, this dip is delicious and addictive!the popular Greek yogurt garlic dip is a favorite at Greek tavernas and restaurants.
The Authentic Recipe
The original tzatziki should be somewhat strong. I’ve seen recipes with very little garlic, and while less garlic may be less potent for some people, it is not the authentic version. Also it does not contain sour cream as I’ve seen in several recipes, actually you can’t even find sour cream in Greece. Also, it is not tzatziki if it contains avocado or cayenne pepper, yes I’ve seen that as well.
How to Make the Best Tzatziki
My top tips for making that perfect tzatziki:
Yogurt. Ideally you want to use a full fat Greek yogurt not low-fat or fat-free. This will provide a creaminess, richness and flavor needed. Also we typically use cow’s milk yogurt, not goat or sheep’s milk yogurt.
Garlic. Use the right amount of garlic. You should minimally use about one medium clove garlic for every 4 ounces of yogurt, otherwise it will just be some sort of generic yogurt dip.
Cucumber. You want to use a cucumber that does not have many seeds or large seeds. If it does have seeds, make sure you remove them. Also you want to make sure you strain the grated cucumber.
Refrigeration. Let it sit for at least an hour, ideally overnight for the flavor to meld.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator covered for up to 4 days.
The authentic Greek recipe for tzatziki.
Ingredients
8 ounces full fat Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves
1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium cucumber (5-6 inches)
Fresh dill
Instructions
Crush the garlic with a little bit of salt and pepper.
Peel the cucumber and grate. Squeeze well to get rid of water.
Whip the yogurt in a bowl and then add the garlic paste, mixing well and then add the cucumber and mix again.
Start adding small amounts of olive oil alternating with the vinegar while mixing.
Add about 2 teaspoons fresh dill and mix well.
Let it sit at least an hour in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Value of Tzatziki
While many people associate tzatziki with the unhealthy gyro sandwich or souvlaki, it is actually very healthy and an antioxidant powerhouse. The garlic and olive oil are great sources of antioxidants and the yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium and has some of that friendly bacteria for your belly.
How to Serve Tzatziki
Traditionally, tzatziki is served as a dip along with bread for dipping. It is of course an important ingredient in souvlaki and gyros and it is fine to dip any kind of meat in it as well. I find it makes a great dip for carrot sticks, celery sticks, raw zucchini strips, cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
Greeks usually eat tzatziki with bread, it is also used for the famous souvlaki wrapped in a pita and ofcourse in gyros. Almost all Greeks love dipping bread and Greek fries in tzatziki that is served at every traditional restaurant. Tzatziki is also the ideal accompaniment with fried (or baked) zucchini chips and any kind of patty or fritter, especially vegetable patties.
