Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce – A Mediterranean Delicacy

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Tzatziki sauce is an authentic delicacy from Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for accompanying meat dishes, salads, or even as a savory dip for pita bread. With a fresh and invigorating taste, this sauce is very easy to make and requires no cooking. Here’s how to achieve the perfect Tzatziki sauce, step by step.

### Ingredients

- 1 large cucumber
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 400 g Greek yogurt (or natural yogurt)
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill (optional, for flavor)

### Step 1: Preparing the Cucumber

1. Start by peeling the cucumber. Use a peeler to remove the thin skin, then coarsely grate it on a large grater.
2. Place the grated cucumber in a sieve or colander, sprinkle a little salt, and let it drain for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential to prevent your sauce from becoming watery. The salt helps draw out excess water from the cucumber.

### Step 2: Making the Sauce

3. In a large bowl, add the Greek yogurt. Choose a good quality yogurt, as it will greatly influence the final taste of the sauce.
4. Peel the garlic cloves and crush them using a garlic press or finely chop them. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor, but you can adjust the amount according to your preferences.
5. Add the crushed garlic to the bowl with yogurt, then incorporate the drained cucumber. Make sure to mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

### Step 3: Flavoring the Sauce

6. Pour in the olive oil and white wine vinegar (or lemon juice) into the mixture. These ingredients will add extra flavor and acidity to your sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s important to taste the sauce during preparation to ensure it is well-balanced.
8. If desired, add chopped fresh dill for an extra flavor boost. Dill pairs perfectly with yogurt and cucumber, bringing an authentic taste.

### Step 4: Serving

9. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the Tzatziki sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to combine and develop.
10. Serve the Tzatziki sauce alongside grilled meat, fresh vegetables, or pita bread. It is also delicious as part of a mezze platter.

### Practical Tips

- For an even creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, you can use dried dill, but the amount will need to be adjusted as the flavor is more concentrated.
- Tzatziki can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Be sure to mix it well before serving.
- A delicious variation is to add chopped fresh mint, which provides a refreshing note, perfect for hot summer days.

With these tips and simple steps, you will achieve a Tzatziki sauce that is sure to impress anyone. It’s a simple recipe but full of flavor, ideal for any occasion!