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I suppose, despite the title, that this isn’t actually tzaziki. Oh no, this is a delicious counterpart straight from Cyprus.
My first experience with this was actually in Cyprus (ages ago when I was lucky enough to study abroad), served with grilled halloumi (a firm cheese… that reminds me of paneer) delish!
This, although not Tzaziki, is… basically tzaziki.
Swapping dill for mint, and lemon for vinegar, this dip is – as my husband said, “an explosion of flavor in the mouth”. So when you try it, try not to be overwhelmed.
Best served with pita, veggies, or as a garnish for chicken, this dip/spread is already loaded with grated cucumber and seasoned with the bestest and freshest flavors of lemon and garlic.
Don’t forget to let the garlic rest in the lemon juice though! This step is essential to taking away any bitterness that your raw garlic might have
Tools
You’ll need a cheese grater for the cucumbers. This is the best cheese grater I’ve ever owned. I actually bought mine at ikea for like… 3 dollars (back in the day) but the concept of the inner drawer that catches all of your grated goodies is what makes it so fantastic. Highly recommend.
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Mint Tzaziki (you may call me talatouri)
Description
Fresh, zesty, and packed with so much flavor. This yogurt-based dip is delicious served with veggie sticks, pita chips, warmed naan, or garnishing some nice grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a cheese grater, grate the english cucumber. Toss the cucumber with the salt and let rest.
- Use a garlic press to press the 4 cloves of garlic. Juice a lemon to yield about 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. In a small bowl, or ramekin, combine the garlic and lemon juice and let rest for at least 10 minutes (wanna know why? See notes)
- Meanwhile, mince the fresh mint leaves until it is very fine. Yielding about 4 packed tablespoons
- No need using a cheese cloth – using your hands squeeze as much moisture as possible out the grated cucumber. I like to grab a small handful and squeeze all of the excess water out over the sink, before moving onto the next handful .
- In a bowl, mix together squeezed cucumber, garlic and lemon, minced mint, greek yogurt, and pepper. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Notes
- Garlic, although absolutely delectable, can be bitter and spicy when raw. Combining with an acid, such as lemon juice, helps mellow that acridness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 14
Serving Size 1/4 Cup
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 73kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.