The tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce. It is delicious on its own or as a dip for vegetables or pita bread.
This refreshing and flavorful sauce is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined.
The tzatziki sauce is the perfect addition to any summertime meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or use it as a condiment for your favorite Greek dishes.
History of Tzatziki Sauce
The word tzatziki comes from the Turkish word for cucumber, “cacık.” The sauce is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire and was brought to Greece by Ottoman Turks who settled in Thrace.
The tzatziki sauce is thought to have first appeared in print in a cookbook from 1871. The book, called Recipe for Cucumber Sauce, was published in Constantinople and included a recipe for “Tscherkessischer Sauce,” which is believed to be the earliest known recipe for tzatziki.
The sauce became popular in Greece in the early 20th century and has since become a staple of Greek cuisine.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce?
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper as needed
Directions
Step One
Wash cucumber, red onion and bell peppers. Grate the cucumber and cut the onion and bell pepper into small pieces.
Step Two
Squeeze the grated cucumber with your hands to remove the excess water. In a food processor or blender, blend the red onion, bell pepper, yogurt, dill, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step Three
Add the grated cucumber to the other ingredients and stir well. Put the sauce in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Tzatziki Sauce?
The tzatziki sauce is the perfect addition to any grilled meats or vegetables. It’s also delicious as a dip for pita bread or fresh veggies. Give it a try at your next cookout and see how delicious this simple sauce can be!
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