Homemade Tzatziki

Ingredients

• 1 medium cucumber
• 2 cups Greek yogurt (10% fat)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the cucumber and grate it using the large holes of a box grater.

2. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for preventing watery tzatziki.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and olive oil, stirring until smooth.

4. Add the drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to the yogurt mixture.

5. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. If using, add the lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Tips

• For the best flavor, make tzatziki at least a few hours before serving.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve with warm pita bread, as a dip for vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats and gyros.
• For a thicker tzatziki, use strained Greek yogurt with higher fat content.
• Add a pinch of dried mint for a traditional variation.