Tzatziki Cucumber Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 cups plain yogurt, regular
• 3 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
• salt
• 3 garlic cloves (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• fresh ground pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped mint leaf (or to taste) (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Line a sieve with a double thickness of dampened cheesecloth.

2. 2

   Spoon in yogurt and set the sieve over a bowl.

3. 3

   Refrigerate for two to three hours or until yogurt is about half its volume, nicely thick and creamy.

4. 4

   Shred or cut cucumber into julienne strips.

5. 5

   Place in a colander in sink or over a bowl, sprinkle generously with salt, mix well and let drain for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

6. 6

   Rinse and gently pat dry.

7. 7

   In a mortor and pestal muddle the garlic into a bit salt.

8. 8

   Add to the thickened yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, and if desired, the pepper and mint.

9. 9

   Mix well.

10. 10

    Serve or refrigerate for a day or two so flavors mingle.

11. 11

    Stir again before serving and sprinkle with additional minced mint leaves if desired.