Çacık, also known as cacik or tzatziki, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that originated in Turkey and is enjoyed across the eastern Mediterranean, including Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and the Balkans. It is a staple of Turkish cuisine and a popular side dish or appetizer served alongside kebabs, grilled meats, and fish. Çacık is made with strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, olive oil, and various seasonings. The combination of creamy yogurt, crunchy cucumbers, aromatic herbs, and tangy flavors creates a symphony of tastes that is both refreshing and satisfying. With its ease of preparation and versatility, çacık has become a beloved dish that captures the essence of Turkish culinary traditions.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
TURKISH CACIK RECIPE
This Turkish cacik recipe uses plain yogurt, cucumber and mint and is so easy to make at home.
Provided by Ayngelina Brogan
Categories Turkey
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix yogurt with cucumber, garlic, salt, mint and dill. (Lemon juice optional). Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavours to blend.
- If you'd like a thinner, soup-like dip add water until you reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sumac (optional) to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 59 calories, Carbohydrate 6 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 3 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 3 grams fat, Fiber 0 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 191 grams sodium, Sugar 5 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams unsaturated fat
TURKISH CACIK
A refreshing dish that usually takes place of a plate of salad. Very refreshing on hot summer days. Can be used as an appetizer or as a dip.
Provided by ErOnur
Categories Vegetable
Time 10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place yoghurt in a large bowl.
- Add all other ingredients, except salt and water, and mix thoroughly.
- Add water until required consistency is achieved.
- Stir in some salt, taste and add more if required.
- Chill in refrigerator for about two hours before serving.
CACIK (TURKISH TZATZIKI)
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix the garlic, yoghurt and mint. Gently add the cucumbers and season well with salt.
- If serving as a dip, add to your serving bowl and top with extra virgin olive oil and some fresh mint. Serve immediately, or as soon as possible.
- If serving as a soup, add water until you reach the desired consistency. Transfer to 4 small bowls, topping with a little extra virgin olive oil and fresh mint and serve immediately.
TURKISH CACIK (YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)
This is a great recipe for a traditional yogurt and cucumber dip or sauce, flavored with garlic and fresh mint or dill.
Provided by Saad Fayed
Categories Sauces
Time 10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl , combine the grated cucumbers and minced garlic. Add salt to taste.
- Mix in the yogurt with a wooden spoon, and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with the mint or dill, and drizzle olive oil on top. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 60 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 114 mg, Sugar 5 g, Fat 3 g, ServingSize 16 ounces (8 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
AUTHENTIC TURKISH CACIK
Hi I got this recipe whilst staying in Turkey with my Dad and his friends. I make it all the time and it is a big hit in the summer at barbeques! It's different to the usual recipes where you use cucumber and mint as they tend to have a more Greek/Indian flavour to them. I sometimes use rocket in this dish but it's not necessary, however if you do, use very little ( few leaves finely chopped) as it will taste rather funky!
Provided by CarlyBug
Categories Turkish
Time 3h10m
Yield 2-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Roughly tear the watercress using your hands, if you are using rocket then finely chop and mix in with watercress,now thinly line the bottom of your dish with these leaves(casserole dishes are ideal).
- Pour however much Greek yoghurt you would like over the watercress and using a spoon even out the yoghurt.
- Finely chop your garlic. Personal preference as to how much use use as I am a garlic lover and I tend to overdo it but I use 2 medium sized cloves when making it for new tastebuds! Sprinle the garlic evenly over the yoghurt and using the spoon gently mix into the yoghurt layer.
- Now sprinkle a very tiny amount of lemon and lime juice over the Cacik.
- Finally drizzle olive oil over the Cacik and leave to settle for a few hours in the fridge.
- Serve with Kofte, as an appetizer at barbeques or with whatever you fancy. It is also best when you use fresh bread and dip into the Cacik.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your cacik.
- Don't over-chop the vegetables: You want them to be small enough to eat easily, but not so small that they lose their texture.
- Use a good quality yogurt: This is the base of the cacik, so it's important to use a yogurt that is thick and creamy.
- Chill the cacik before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and will make the cacik more refreshing.
- Garnish the cacik with fresh herbs: This will add a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
Cacik is a delicious, refreshing, and healthy Turkish dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it simple or with a variety of toppings, cacik is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So next time you're looking for a light and flavorful dish, give cacik a try!
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