Authentic Greek Tzatziki

I have no idea how the runny yogurt sauce loaded with dill and virtually no garlic to speak of came to represent “tzatziki” in the United States. In my multiple trips to Greece I have never seen anything close to that poor imitation of the real deal. In Greece you find no dill, much thicker, higher fat-content yogurt, and loads of garlic.

Notes:

Cucumbers:

If you can, use English cucumbers for this dish. The lower water content relative to the standard American cucumber will result in a thicker, more authentic sauce. If you can’t find English cucumbers, make sure and scoop out the seeds before you grate the cucumber (See below for how to remove the seeds). It is imperative that you adequately salt the grated cucumber and let it drain in a colander before you mix in the remaining ingredients. You want as little remaining liquid seeping out of your final dish as possible and thinning out the yogurt. 

Yogurt:

If you can’t find full fat thick Greek-style yogurt (thick enough that you have to scoop it out, not pour it out), substitute half of the yogurt for the same amount of sour cream. We want the end result nice and thick. No self-respecting Greek dish will tolerate an accompanying tzatziki that’s thin and runny. 

Authentic Greek Tzatziki

A thick yogurt and cucumber sauce to serve with just about everything

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 7 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium English cucumber
• 3 cloves garlic peeled
• 1 cups whole fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Salt
• Juice of one lemon
• Olive oil to drizzle over the top

Instructions

 

• Cut the cucumber lengthwise so you have two even halves and have exposed the seeds in the center. Use a teaspoon to scoop the seeds out of the cucumber and discard the seeds.
• Next, coarsely grate the cucumber halves and place in a colander. Sprinkle with 2 tsp salt and stir the salt into the grated cucumber. Let sit at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  
• While the cucumber is draining, pass the peeled garlic cloves through a garlic press and add into the yogurt.
• Then add the lemon juice to the yogurt mixture.
• Lastly, add the drained, grated cucumber to the yogurt and stir to distribute evenly.
• Right before serving, drizzle the tzatziki liberally with olive oil.
  
• Try this authentic Greek tzatziki with these Kofta meatballs for a Mediterranean treat!

Keyword greek food greek sauce, tzatziki, yogurt cucumber sauce