Are you craving a vibrant, refreshing sauce that's perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading? Look no further than this easy tzatziki sauce recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Jamie Oliver. This homemade version is bursting with fresh, simple flavors and is surprisingly quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or want to elevate your healthy meals, this delicious dish will become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber (about 400g), roughly grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated (adjust to your preference!)
- 200g Greek yogurt (full-fat for the creamiest texture)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Cucumber: This step is crucial for a non-watery tzatziki. Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This prevents your sauce from becoming too thin.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
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Mix and Chill: Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For the best flavour, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is key to developing a truly delicious tzatziki.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade tzatziki sauce is ready! Serve it as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, or grilled meats. It's also fantastic as a topping for souvlaki, salads, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Tzatziki:
- Cucumber Choice: Use a regular cucumber, not a seedless variety, for the best flavor and texture.
- Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste. Start with less and add more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
- Yogurt Selection: Full-fat Greek yogurt will provide the richest and creamiest tzatziki.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill is essential for authentic flavor. If you can’t find fresh, dried dill can be substituted, but use about half the amount.
- Make Ahead: Tzatziki tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Variations:
- Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herby Tzatziki: Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or parsley.
- Lemon-Dill Tzatziki: Increase the lemon juice for a more tangy sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 100-150
- Fat: 8-12g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 5-8g
This easy tzatziki sauce recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. It's a healthy and delicious addition to any meal, making it a go-to recipe for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy!