Tzatziki sauce

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce or dip that is made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice, and dill. It is served as a condiment over warm bread, a sauce for grilled meat, or as a dip for vegetables and is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredients in tzatziki are yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and often lemon juice, and dill. The yogurt is typically strained to remove excess water, and the cucumber is grated and drained. The garlic is crushed into a paste, and then all the ingredients are mixed together. Some variations may include additional herbs such as mint or parsley, or spices like black pepper and salt.

Origin and History

Tzatziki is a traditional part of Greek cuisine, but it is also found in the cuisines of neighboring countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, where it may be known by different names. The word "tzatziki" comes from the Turkish word "cacık," which originally referred to a kind of cold soup.

Cultural Significance

In addition to its role as a staple in Greek cuisine, tzatziki is also a common part of meze, a selection of small dishes served in the Mediterranean and Middle East as dinner or lunch. It is often served with pita bread or used as a sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.

Variations

There are many variations of tzatziki sauce throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. In Turkey, a similar dish is called cacik, which is thinner in consistency and can be served as a soup. In Bulgaria, a similar sauce called tarator is made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, walnuts, dill, vegetable oil, and water.

See Also

• Greek cuisine
• Mediterranean cuisine
• Meze
• Cacik
• Tarator