Mediterranean Yogurt Cucumber Dip Recipes

TZATZIKI SAUCE (YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)

Steps:

• Line a colander with two layers of cheesecloth and place it over a medium bowl. Place the yogurt on the cheesecloth and cover the colander with plastic wrap. Allow yogurt to drain overnight.
• Lay grated cucumber on a plate lined with paper towel; allow to drain 1 to 2 hours.
• Combine the drained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

GREEK YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE - GERMAN TSATSIKI

Steps:

• If you do not have Greek yogurt (very thick yogurt), line a colander with paper towels and place plain yogurt into it. Cover with more paper towels to drain excess liquid for 15 minutes or longer.
• Shred half a cucumber, place in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste and let sit for 15 minutes. Press excess liquid out.
• In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup Greek yogurt or yogurt cheese, shredded and pressed cucumber, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The longer it sits, the more the garlic melds with the other ingredients. If the sauce looks runny, stir the liquid back in.
• The German presentation is to garnish with sprigs of fresh dill or chopped fresh dill or drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil over the dish.

MEDITERRANEAN YOGURT CUCUMBER DIP

Steps:

• In a large bowl begin by making the base of the cucumber dip. Add the 3 cloves of diced garlic, greek yogurt, lemon juice and 1 tbsp of fresh dill. Slowly fold in the feta and half of the diced cucumber.
• Just before serving, add the falafel crumbles, remaining cucumber, red onion, beets, tomato and remaining dill. Top with more feta cheese as desired and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

CUCUMBER-YOGURT DIP

Steps:

• Cut the garlic clove in half and place the halves at the edge of the cutting board. Use the dull side of your chef's knife to cut the garlic almost to a mash, then use the sharp side to mince it. Put the garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl along with a pinch of salt to remove the raw taste from the garlic and lightly pickle it.
• Chop the cucumber, scallions, and parsley and add them to the garlic.
• Finish by mixing in the yogurt, dried mint, and olive oil. Season with salt and serve with crudités, pita, or latkes.

CUCUMBER YOGURT DIP

Steps:

• to drain the yogurt, line a mesh colandar with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and hang over a bowl. Let the yogurt drain at least an hour or two, but no big deal if it is easier for you the night before. If that is the case, make sure to cover the top and leave it in the fridge.
• This can be skipped if you can get your hands on real Greek yogurt, which is thicker than most commerical brands.
• Place the now thickened yorgurt to a bowl and add the other ingredients. Best if it sits for a bit to let the flavors combine, but with me, it is likely that it will get eaten long before.
• You may keep leftovers in the fridge, but I find the raw garlic can get a bit intense upon sitting. Not that that is a bad thing, but consider yourself warned.