Yoghurt and Cucumber Sauce (Cacik)
This Turkish version of Greek Tzatziki is a refresing and fragrant yoghurt and cucumber dip. It is often served as a side dish with kebabs or alone with olives and pita bread.
Ingredients:
1 small cucumber
300ml thick natural yogurt
3 garlic cloves, crushed
30ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh mint
30ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh dill or parsley
salt and ground black pepper
mint or parsley and dill, to garnish
olive oil, olives and pita bread, to serve
Procedure:
1. Finely chop the cucumber and layer in a colander with plenty of salt. Leave for 30 minutes.
2. Wash the cucumber in several changes of cold water and drain thoroughly. Pat dry on kitchen paper.
3. Mix together the yogurt, garlic and herbs and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the cucumber. Garnish with herbs, drizzle over a little olive oil and serve.