Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a thick Greek sauce where it is served with gyros, souvlaki or in a mezze. But you can use it with just about anything! Try it as an accompaniment to fish, grilled chicken, lamb, pita bread, falafel, grilled vegetables, as a dip – you get the idea. Tzatziki is easy to make and is always served cold.
2 cups Greek yogurt
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and grated (use the large holes of a box grater)
sea salt and pepper, to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup of fresh dill and mint, chopped
Mix grated cucumber with a teaspoon of sea salt and place in a fine mesh sieve. Set the sieve over a bowl and let drain for about half an hour. Squeeze cucumber in a tea towel to remove any excess liquid. Transfer to a bowl and mix with garlic, yogurt, herbs, and olive oil. Season to taste.
The Culinary Chase’s Note: The easiest way to deseed a cucumber is to cut it in half lengthways then scoop out the seeds using a spoon. The flavors develop more if you make a day ahead. Enjoy!