What is Tzatziki (Pronounced as T-szaat-Zee-ki)
Tzatziki, cacık, or tarator is a dip found in the cuisines of Southeast Europe and the Middle East. It is made of salted strained yogurt or diluted yogurt mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, sometimes with vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley and thyme. Some sources also say "The word Tzatziki derives from the Persian zhazh, that means herb mixture. Recipes similar to Tzatziki are very popular in Middle Eastern countries, Greece, and Southern Balkans. In Turkey, Cacik is a variation of Tzatziki with Sumac spice, fresh mint, and water: served as soup or side dish."
What is Tzatziki served with?
Tzatziki is served as part of mezze platter with Hummus, Pita, Falafel and sometimes also adding Muhammara. The entire platter takes a bit to prepare, but if you are like us and love Middle Eastern / Mediterranean cuisine, do serve it like in the Lebanese Platter. I am also guessing Tzatziki would pair well with grilled meats, with some Laffa, inside a taco or even with baked Mediterranean style veggie crisps. I particularly like this with Airfryer Roasted Baby Potatoes - so yum!!
Other quick dips you may like
Do let us know in the comments below with what else you would use the Tzatziki
What are the main ingredients that go into Tzatziki?
- Curd (specifically Greek yoghurt / Hung Curd). Vegans can sub with cashew / rice curd
- Cucumbers - British / Persian Cucumbers work best
- Dill / Fresh mint - depending on the region it is made (I used Parsley here)
- Olive oil - EVOO works best
- Garlic - for that pungent, sharp hit. However, today's version skips garlic
- Lemon juice / Sumac / Vinegar - again depending on which region it is made.
Pro Tip - Make this ahead for those game nights or movie nights. if you like easy dips like these, why don't you try out this easy peasy Coriander- Mint chutney/dip to go with nachos or crudites
PIN FOR LATER
If you need a quick video on how to make thick homemade curd, check out this link below.
5 reasons you should be using yoghurt / buttermilk this summer
- It's probiotic (good for gut flora)
- Digestive and good for bone health
- Stronger Immunity
- Prevents Vaginal Infections
- Reduces blood pressure
Check out 30+ dishes using Curd / Yoghurt
Let's get to make Tzatziki now.
Prep Time - 5 min, Cook time - Nil. Resting time - 2 hours.
Serves - 2
Ingredients:
- Hung Curd - 1 cup
- British Cucumbers - 3
- Salt - ¼ tsp
- Pepper - ¼ tsp
- Lemon juice - 1 tsp
- Dill - 2 teaspoon ( i used Parsley here)
- Garlic - 1 pod (opt.)
- Olive Oil - 3 tsp
How to make Tzatziki
- Transfer the curd (without any whey) to a sieve and let it rest in the fridge overnight or for 2 hours
- Use any filtered water to knead chappati atta or to make Chaas
- Trim and grate the cucumbers with the skin on
- Squeeze out all the water from the cucumber
- Add this to the hung curd
- Add salt, pepper, lemon juice and mix well
- If using, add grated garlic
- Add chopped mint / dill and olive oil
- Mix well, serve chilled
Tzatziki | Greek Yoghurt dip
Equipment
- Sieve
- Bowl
- Grater
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hung Curd (pref homemade)
- 3 Cucumber (prefer Persian / British Cucumbers)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 pod garlic
- 2 teaspoon Dill (sub with fresh mint)
- 3 teaspoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Transfer the curd (without any whey) to a sieve and let it rest in the fridge overnight or for 2 hours
- Use any filtered water to knead chappati atta or to make Chaas
- Trim and grate the cucumbers with the skin on
- Squeeze out all the water from the cucumber
- Add this to the hung curd
- Add salt, pepper, lemon juice and mix well
- If using, add grated garlic
- Add chopped mint / dill and olive oil
- Mix well, serve chilled
Notes
- Use Persian / British Cucumbers for this. check for any bitterness if using local cucumbers
- If using store bought curd, the hung curd can be made easily.
- If using homemade curd, then discard any whey before makign hung curd
- After you add salt and pepper, serve immediately. Else the dip gets runny and tasteless.
Harini Rupanagudi says
What a refreshing dip for the summer months. Love it.
Kalyani says
Thanks Harini.. it's indeed refreshing...
Archana says
Yum yum and perfect for the season. I never tried tatazki with hung curds. That's a great idea. Thanks.
Kalyani says
Do try it archana, the hung curd makes ALL the difference 🙂
Jayashree T.Rao says
Love this dip, it makes a good accompaniment with many dishes. Good reminder to make this one Kalyani.
Kalyani says
yes it does, thanks jayashree
Mayuri Patel says
Love making Tzatziki as it is such a versatile dip. Not only do we enjoy with vegetable sticks but also with Greek wraps. An excellent way to get the family to enjoy the nutritional value of yogurt.
Kalyani says
Thanks Mayuri. it's indeed versatile. we LOVE it with veg crudites too..
The Girl Next Door says
This dip has my name written all over it! ???? It looks so appetizing, and I love the sound of it. All of us at home love curd, cucumbers, garlic and lemon, and I'm sure we are going to love it to bits. Perfect for the summers!
Kalyani says
awwww.. thanks much, Priya 🙂 and am sure you would like it..do make it soon 🙂
Chef Mireille says
I usually don't like tzatziki because most people go crazy with the dill, my least favorite herb in the world. I love your idea of using parsley instead.
Kalyani says
am not a fan of dill either, parsley worked its magic here 🙂
Sujata Roy says
Hung curd with cucumber, mint and garlic sounds yummy. Not only as a dip but I would love to serve it with meal instead of raita.
Kalyani says
THank you, Sujata
Preethicuisine says
This is such a refreshing dip. Adding parsley sounds interesting. I love the dip with dill. Perfect summer treat.
Kalyani says
Thanks Preethi
Mina Joshi says
This Tzatziki looks amazing. I like that you are using hung yogurt to make it. A light and easy dish with the addition of garlic sounds perfect to have as a side dish.
Kalyani says
yes indeed, a very light dish..
Melanie Varey says
I absolutely love a dip! I love the addition of parsley to your recipe which gives it a fresh flavour.
Kalyani says
Thanks much for dropping by, Melanie. Glad you liked the addition of parsley...and we love dips too ❤️
NARMADHA says
Tzatziki looks like very flavorful and delicious dip. Love the combination of ingredients here. so creamy and easy to make too.
Kalyani says
yes, very easy and delish dip
Poonam Bachhav says
Loving this refreshing hung curd dip with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice flavors!
Kalyani says
thank you, Poonam. it is indeed refreshing..
Vaishali says
Ah , this is one of our favourite dips ! Needs no effort and tastes so good . Yours has come out so good , feel like enjoying it with a crisp khakra ????
Kalyani says
yes vaishali - absolutely great with khakra / pita
Srivalli says
We enjoyed it when i made it at home, surely one of the most quickest and delicious recipes..
Kalyani says
Thanks valli. we enjoy it too whenever it is made 🙂
Radha says
We love this refreshing dip! Your recipes sounds amazing!
Kalyani says
We love it too, Radha 🙂
srividhya says
Such a refreshing dip and my falafel rice bowls are incomplete without this tzatziki. Loved all your yogurt-based recipes Kalyani.
Kalyani says
Thanks vidhya. Tzatziki sure is a family fav!
Harini says
My kids love it in their falafel sandwiches. The freshness of this dip is unbeatable.
Kalyani says
yes tzatziki is super fresh n inviting always