Homemade Tzatziki Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint. Traditionally, it is made from strained sheep or goat's milk yogurt, but a full-fat Greek yogurt works just fine in this dip.

The biggest contributor to watery tzatziki is the cucumber, which is why it's important to try to remove as much water out of the cucumber as possible. To release the water from the cucumber, de-seed the cucumber then grate it. I suggest using a metal spoon to scoop the seeds out of the cucumber.

Ingredients: yogurt (milk ingredients, bacterial culture), sour cream(milk ingredients, bacterial culture, microbial enzyme), water,cucumber, canola oil, white vinegar, sea salt, garlic purée (garlic,canola oil), modified corn starch, garlic powder, citric acid.

Tzatziki will last about four days in the fridge before it starts to go bad. While you can freeze it, it will change a bit in regards to texture and consistency when it comes time to thawing it out.

Tzatziki is made of strained yogurt (usually from sheep or goat milk) mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice, and dill or mint or parsley.

Step 3: Drain cucumbers

No matter what method you've chose above, you'll need to drain the cucumbers of excess water so the tzatziki isn't watery. The most effective way to do this is in a fine mesh sieve with a sprinkle of salt and not just squeezing with a paper towel. Add cucumbers to a sieve.

Squeeze the cucumber a little bit to encourage the moisture to drain out. Let drain for at least 5 minutes. In a medium bowl, stir the cucumber into the yogurt, along with the garlic, herbs, lemon, and salt.

A thick Greek yogurt is the most traditional option – bonus points if you strain it through a cheesecloth!

A tablespoon of corn starch or flour in a cup adding a dribble of water or broth until you get a thick paste. Then add it to the runny sauce. How do you make Tzatziki? Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, salt.

How long does tzatziki last in the fridge? ›

Homemade tzatziki should ideally be consumed within 3-5 days when kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Store-bought varieties may last longer, up to two weeks, due to added preservatives.

Tzatziki makes a very nice condiment for gyros or kebabs. It goes very well with pork or lamb. It's also very nice served as a dip with pita bread triangles.

A platter of salted raw tomatoes and cucumbers becomes an instant salad when topped with tzatziki as a dressing. Bread is smeared with tzatziki and topped with grilled meats or vegetables for a crostini or bruschetta style snack that pairs well with Greek wines, like these Artichoke and Eggplant skewers.

Eating tzatziki can help add a variety of healthy nutrients to your daily diet, maintain a robust microbial system, and maintain blood glucose levels. If you suffer from high blood pressure, use tzatziki often as it contains less sodium and carbs than hummus.

Tzatziki is a real powerhouse in terms of health benefits. Probiotics, which can aid promote gut health, vitamins A and C, calcium, and phosphorus are all included in this classic Greek meal. Together, these nutrients strengthen your immune system and maintain the health of your bones.

Yes, tzatziki is considered a healthier dip than hummus and sour cream. It contains several vitamins, a good amount of protein, and fewer carbohydrates and calories. The fat content of tzatziki is low too, which is not the case with other dips.

Greek yogurt is made from cow's milk that is strained to remove the whey, this results in a thicker consistency compared to natural yogurt. It also has a tangier flavour and can often be used as a healthier substitute to mayonnaise, sour cream or crème fraîche.