Tastes of Greece with Chef Akis’ Tzatziki Recipe!

Welcome to the “Taste” section of our blog, where we’re taking on a flavorful journey through mainly Greek recipes with simple ingredients! Today, we’re diving into a delightful bowl of tzatziki – a cooling, refreshing dip that’s practically a national treasure in Greece.

Now, before we get started, let me just say this: if you’ve ever been to Greece and haven’t tried tzatziki, did you even go? Seriously, it’s like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. But fear not, because I’ve got you covered on how to whip up the most mouthwatering tzatziki you’ve ever tasted, courtesy of the one and only Chef Akis Petrentzikis. Here’s what you’ll need:

 

– 1 cucumber (peeled and grated)

– A pinch of salt

– 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar

– 1 cup of Greek yogurt

– 1/3 of a garlic clove (minced or pressed through garlic presser)

– 2 tablespoons of olive oil

– 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar (yes, we like vinegar)

– Pepper and salt (to taste)

– a bit of finely chopped dill (don’t skip)

 

Now, let’s get cooking:

 

1. Peel the cucumber and grate it using the large blades of your cheese grater. Trust me, you’ll want to use the large blades for maximum cucumber goodness.

2. Place in a strainer over a bowl to collect the cucumber juice.

3. While the cucumber does its thing, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, and white wine vinegar. Give it a good stir until it’s nice and creamy.

4. Now, here comes the fun part – squeeze the heck out of that cucumber to release any remaining liquid. Don’t be shy, get in there and give it a good squeeze. And hey, don’t toss that cucumber water – you can drink it for instant refreshment or use it in a DIY facial clay mask later. Waste not, want not!

5. Add the squeezed cucumber to the yogurt mixture and stir until everything is beautifully combined.

6. Season with pepper and salt to your liking. Then, sprinkle in some finely chopped dill for that extra pop of flavor.

7. Pop your tzatziki in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s like a flavor party there, and everyone’s invited!

 

Now, when it comes time to enjoy your homemade tzatziki, the possibilities are endless. Dip some carrots, peppers, and cucumber slices for a healthy snack, or spread it on some Greek pita bread with fillings of your liking for a taste of ’’Greek gyro’’. You can even drizzle it over grilled mushrooms or baked potatoes. We surely enjoy it as it is with just a spoon!

 

So there you have it, – the secret to making the best darn tzatziki. Give it a try and get ready to be transported to the sunny shores of Greece with every delicious bite. Opa!