GREEK TZATZIKI
SAUCE
Yields about 1 1/2 cups.
Versatile and delicious is the only way I can describe this wonderful white dipping sauce. It has a truly unique flavor.
Greek folks use it as an appetizer served with warm pita bread. As a dressing for souvlakia and gyro's. I'm sure they may use it in many other ways that I am not aware of. I know, I sure do. It's a great sauce for hamburgers, steaks, french fried potatoes, crudites, french fried mushrooms, fried fish and seafoods, salad dressing and too many more things to list. Just let your imagination "run wild."
Before we get started; a word of caution. Not all yogurts are created equal. Greek yogurt is by far the yogurt of choice. It has the dense consistency needed to hold the balance of ingredients in suspension. If you can not find a greek yogurt, all is not lost. See prep instructions below.
Now lets get on with the recipe!
INGREDIENTS
- 1- 8 ounce container of plain, unflavored greek yogurt. See prep instructions below.
- You may substitute sour cream in a pinch.
- 1 Medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely chopped or grated. See additional prep instructions.
- 1 Large garlic clove, peeled and minced. More is better.
- 2 Tbs minced onion or spring onion.
- 1/2 Tsp. Heaping, salt, or to taste.
- 1/4 Tsp. Pepper, or to taste.
- 1 1/2 Tsp. FRESH, finely chopped dill, or to taste.
- If you don't use fresh dill, please do not make this recipe.(G)
- You may substitute FRESH mint for the dill. Same rules apply.
PREPARATION
- If you were not able to find Greek yogurt; you must drain the excess liquid from whatever brand you are using. If you are substituting sour cream, it too, must be dry and may need to be drained.
- Empty the yogurt into a wet cheesecloth or coffee filter lined sieve so that the excess liquids may drain out. This could take 2 hours or more. I prefer to let it drain over-night. The drier the better.
- You must now drain the cucumber. You may use the above sieve method. I prefer to place the chopped or grated cucumber in the center of a dish towel, bring the towel up around the cucumber and twist and squeeze the daylights out of it. It too, must be dry.
- Place all ingredients into a bowl and thoroughly combine. DO NOT put into a food processor or blender.
- Spoon mixed sauce into a tight lidded container and place in fridge to chill and permit the flavors to develop.
