Best 4 Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipes
Tzatziki, a culinary cornerstone of Greek cuisine, is a refreshing and versatile sauce or dip that tantalizes taste buds with its creamy texture and burst of flavors. Made from a blend of strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and fresh herbs, tzatziki offers a perfect balance of tanginess, coolness, and herbal aromas. Whether served as an accompaniment to grilled meats, as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, or simply enjoyed as a dip with pita bread or vegetable crudités, tzatziki's versatility makes it a beloved staple in Greek homes and restaurants worldwide. This article presents a curated collection of authentic Greek tzatziki recipes that capture the essence of this classic dish, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that transports you to the heart of the Mediterranean.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
AUTHENTIC TZATZIKI SAUCE RECIPE (GREEK YOGURT, CUCUMBER DIP)
The authentic Greek tzatziki sauce recipe. Find out how to prepare this creamy Greek yogurt, cucumber and garlic dip as served in the very best taverns!
Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos
Categories Dips
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- To prepare this authentic Greek tzatziki sauce recipe, remove the skin and the seeds of the cucumber and grate it into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and leave aside for 10 minutes.
- Afterwards, wrap the grated cucumber in a towel and squeeze, in order to get rid of the excess water.
- Assemble the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, add the cucumber, the minced garlic and olive oil, the yogurt, 1-2 tbsps of red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and blend, until the ingredients are combined. Store the tzatziki sauce in the fridge and always serve cold. (Alternatively, if you have a blender, pour in the olive oil and garlic and blend until combined. Then mix with the rest of the ingredients using a spoon. This will help the garlic to mix better with the rest of the ingredients).
- Prepare this traditional tzatziki sauce for your friends and family and serve as a delicious dip with some warm pita breads aside, or as a sauce for Greek-style souvlaki. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 tbsps, Calories 85kcal, Sugar 2.1g, Sodium 209.1mg, Fat 6.8g, SaturatedFat 1.7g, UnsaturatedFat 4.9g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 2.7g, Fiber 0.1g, Protein 3.9g, Cholesterol 5.4mg
TRADITIONAL GREEK TZATZIKI RECIPE
Traditional Greek Tzatziki Recipe combines real thick greek yogurt, seedless cucumber, garlic, dill and splash of vinegar and olive oil. It's a perfect sauce that can be paired with any meals like: grilled meats, vegetables, sandwiches, pitas or salads.
Provided by Edyta
Categories Appetiser Side Dish Tapa
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Shred the cucumber and if it is very watery drain it through the strainer. You can also leave it to drain for half hour or even over night in a fridge.
- Add minced garlic, chopped dill, yogurt, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Let the flavors merge for at least half hour.
- Serve it with grilled meats, veggies or as an appetizer with pita bread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 86 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Sodium 29 mg, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving
AUTHENTIC GREEK TZATZIKI
This is a lovely, cool, refreshing Greek tzatziki dip that I first tasted and fell in love with in the Greek Islands. It is lovely with hot toasted pita bread and veggies or lamb kebabs! The key is strain the liquid from the cucumber very well so the dip stays creamy and not watery and to always use thick, full-fat Greek yogurt. Low-fat versions won't cut it. Enjoy!
Provided by Anonymous
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Stir together olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl and let sit while you prepare the cucumber.
- Peel cucumber and cut in half lengthways; scrape out all the seeds. Grate cucumber with a cheese grater into a sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt. Strain out as much liquid as possible by pressing down in the sieve with the palm of your hand. Alternately you can wring cucumber out in a clean tea towel. Add cucumber and yogurt to the garlic mixture. Mix until well combined and season with salt to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.1 calories, Carbohydrate 5.6 g, Cholesterol 18.8 mg, Fat 17.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 81.2 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
GREEK TZATZIKI
This cool Greek dip only gets better with time. Serve with pita bread, in gyros, on lamb or with whatever you like!
Provided by LeeleeCooks
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Tzatziki
Time 8h20m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Stir together yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Add lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth. Pour into a serving dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate 8 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 21.6 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 1.4 mg, Fat 1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 190.6 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially Greek yogurt and cucumbers. Opt for full-fat yogurt for a richer flavor and creamier texture. English cucumbers are ideal as they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor compared to regular cucumbers.
- Grate the cucumbers using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating blade. This ensures even-sized pieces that will release their juices more easily.
- Salt the grated cucumbers and let them rest in a colander for at least 30 minutes. This process, known as "osmosis," draws out excess moisture, resulting in a thicker and more flavorful tzatziki sauce.
- Use a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to squeeze out any remaining liquid from the cucumbers. This step further concentrates the flavors and prevents a watery sauce.
- Combine the strained cucumbers with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs like dill and mint, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Adjust the proportions according to your taste preferences.
- For a smoother texture, blend the tzatziki sauce using an immersion blender or a food processor. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
- Chill the tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop.
- Serve tzatziki sauce as a dip for pita bread, vegetable crudités, or grilled meats. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or as a topping for salads and bowls.
Conclusion:
Tzatziki is a versatile and refreshing sauce that perfectly embodies the flavors of Greek cuisine. With its creamy texture, tangy and garlicky taste, and the cooling effect of cucumbers, it's a delightful accompaniment to various dishes. Whether you're enjoying it as a dip, a spread, or a topping, tzatziki adds a burst of freshness and Mediterranean flair to any meal. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a staple in Greek households and a beloved recipe worldwide.
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