Turkish Tzatziki Recipe – Cacık
A refreshing Turkish yogurt and cucumber side dish made with garlic, olive oil and dried mint or dill. Serve cold with kebabs, pilaf or meze.
Ingredients
- Wash the cucumber. Grate it or dice it finely.
- Gently squeeze out excess cucumber liquid.
- Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until smooth.
- Add crushed garlic and salt to the yogurt.
- Stir in the cucumber.
- Add mint or dill and olive oil.
- Add cold water gradually if you prefer a thinner cacık.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Stir before serving drizzle with olive oil and garnish with dried mint or dill.
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber. Grate it or dice it finely.
- Gently squeeze out excess cucumber liquid.
- Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until smooth.
- Add crushed garlic and salt to the yogurt.
- Stir in the cucumber.
- Add mint or dill and olive oil.
- Add cold water gradually if you prefer a thinner cacık.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Stir before serving, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with dried mint or dill.
Notes
- Use dried mint for a more classic Turkish flavor.
- Add water gradually; cacık can be thick or thin.
- Do not freeze.
- Best served cold.
- If using regular yogurt, strain briefly for better texture.