what is tzatziki

what is tzatziki

6 hours ago 3
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Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce or dip made from strained yogurt (often Greek yogurt) combined with grated cucumber, garlic, salt, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice or red wine vinegar. It is typically flavored with fresh herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, or thyme. The sauce is served cold and is a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats like gyros and souvlaki, as well as a dip for vegetables or a condiment for various Mediterranean dishes. Its texture is creamy with a slight tanginess from the yogurt, balanced by the freshness of cucumber and aromatic herbs, making it bright and cooling. Tzatziki is popular in Southeastern Europe and West Asia, with variations found in Turkey (called cacık) and other Mediterranean countries. The word "tzatziki" comes from Modern Greek, originally borrowed from the Turkish word cacık, and it has roots linked to herbs used in cooking. Traditionally, it is made with strained sheep or goat's milk yogurt but full-fat Greek yogurt works well. In short, tzatziki is a creamy, yogurt-based sauce or dip, refreshing and garlicky, commonly served as a cold appetizer or condiment in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. It pairs especially well with grilled meats, vegetables, and as part of mezze platters. It is pronounced roughly as "tsah- SEE-kee" with emphasis on the middle syllable. This versatile sauce is easy to make and widely enjoyed across many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures with slight regional differences in preparation and ingredients.

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