Greek · Appetizer · SAMPLE RECIPE
Tzatziki · cool cucumber & garlic yogurt
Thick yogurt folded with well-drained cucumber, garlic, and a little dill. A cool, tangy Greek dip for vegetables, bread, or something fresh from the grill.
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A NOTE FROM THE KITCHEN
Dry cucumber makes a thick dip.
Use plain strained Greek yogurt, ideally full-fat. Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly before mixing so it does not thin the yogurt. This home version includes dill; herb choices and garlic strength vary between cooks. Bread and vegetables for dipping are separate.
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Tzatziki · cool cucumber & garlic yogurt
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BEHIND THE DISH · Greek meze and grill tables
Tzatziki · cool cucumber & garlic yogurtBeyond the plate.
A bowl of cool yogurt and cucumber provides a bright contrast to warm bread and grilled food.
ORIGINS & EVOLUTION
Yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.
Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-and-cucumber preparation seasoned with garlic and acidity. It sits among a wider group of related yogurt dishes across the region, with differences in thickness, herbs, and serving style.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
A dip with several jobs.
It can join a meze spread, accompany skewers, or be spooned into a filled pita. The cucumber contributes freshness, while the garlic gives the otherwise mild yogurt a stronger character.
AT THE TABLE
Our dill-flecked home version.
We use thick strained yogurt, red wine vinegar, and a little dill. Herbs are a matter of preference rather than a requirement in every Greek preparation. Squeezing the cucumber makes more difference to thickness than adding extra yogurt later.
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