Turkish Cacik (Yogurt and Cucumber) Dip Recipe

Name: Turkish Cacik (Yogurt and Cucumber Dip)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 cucumbers (peeled and grated); 16 oz. yogurt ( plain , cold); 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 1 tablespoon mint (fresh, chopped, or dill); Salt to taste; Garnish: drizzle of olive oil

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total: 10 mins

Servings: 8 servings

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If you find yourself in Turkey, or just enjoying the atmosphere in a Turkish restaurant, you're basically guaranteed to encounter a dip called cacik. Likewise, when you travel to Greece or to your favorite Greek restaurant, a similar dish called tzatziki will be presented. Whatever it's called wherever you happen to find yourself, you should definitely try it.

Americans have become more familiar with the term tzatziki, and some of the large dip manufacturers have lines of tzatziki and other Greek yogurt sauces available for sale in supermarkets. But the homemade version is very easy to make and brings a refreshing flavor to so many dishes.

In the Middle East, you will frequently find plain yogurt and cucumber mixtures on all the hotel breakfast buffets. It's cool and crisp and perfect for summer in a hot climate. Proper tzatziki sauces, with grated cucumbers, garlic and lots of fresh dills are served in restaurants as appetizers or alongside chicken dishes.

Cacik can usually be found on the menus of Turkish/Mediterranean restaurants that specialize in small plates. Spanish restaurants call them tapas but the Turkish term is mezze which would describe an appetizer or small dish recipe. The concept allows you to sample lots of different things without necessarily having to commit to one dish and a plate of cacik/tzatziki will be right at the top of the menu. Wonderfully thick and creamy, likely strained, and perfect for dipping hunks of pita or flatbread into, this sauce is a treat.

2 medium cucumbers, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic
Salt, to taste
16 ounces plain yogurt
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint or dill
Drizzle of olive oil, for garnish

Gather the ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumbers and minced garlic. Add salt to taste.
Mix in the yogurt with a wooden spoon, and transfer to a serving bowl.
Garnish with the mint or dill, and drizzle olive oil on top. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
59	Calories
3g	Fat
6g	Carbs
3g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories	59
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g	3%
Saturated Fat 1g	4%
Cholesterol 3mg	1%
Sodium 114mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate 6g	2%
Dietary Fiber 0g	1%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 2mg	11%
Calcium 114mg	9%
Iron 0mg	1%
Potassium 212mg	5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.