The primary ingredient to Tzatziki is yogurt. In a pinch, plain unsweetened yogurt can be used - however it will be lacking in rich zesty flavor that true Tzatziki can provide. Tzatziki is not difficult to make, as it has only a few ingredients:
* 16 ounces (2 cups) of thick Greek yogurt * 4 to 10 cloves of garlic, finely chopped * 1/2 cup of diced or grated cucumber (Kirby or "English") * 1 tablespoon of olive oil * 2 teaspoons of lemon juice Prepare all ingredients in advance. Combine oil and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl. Fold the yogurt in slowly, making sure it mixes completely with the oil. Add the garlic, according to taste, and the cucumber. Stir until evenly distributed. Garnish with a bit of green and serve well chilled. Add mint or dill: Slight variations include 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill and/or fresh mint. Tasty additions!
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes In Greek: τζατζίκι, pronounced dza-DZEE-kee Tzatziki is traditionally served as an appetizer and can be left on the table as an accompaniment to foods throughout the meal. The key to great tzatziki is the thick creamy texture that allows it to be eaten alone, as a dip, as a spread, and as a condiment.
Some popular recipes that use Middle Eastern yogurt as a key ingredient include tzatziki sauce, labneh dip, and Persian cucumber yogurt salad.
Traditional ingredients in a Middle Eastern tomato cucumber salad include tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and various herbs. It is commonly served as a dip or condiment alongside grilled meats and other dishes in Greek cuisine. The dish has roots in the Mediterranean region and is also popular in some Middle Eastern countries, but it is most closely associated with Greece.
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Some traditional toppings for Middle Eastern flat bread include za'atar (a blend of herbs and spices), labneh (strained yogurt), hummus, falafel, and grilled vegetables.
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Heidi M. Altman has written: 'Eastern Cherokee fishing' -- subject(s): Cherokee Indians, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, Fishing, History, Material culture, Traditional ecological knowledge, Traditional fishing
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