Tzatziki

Ingredients

• 1 pint sour cream (or Greek-style super thick yoghurt)
• 1 English cucumber, peeled, grated on a box grater, salted lightly for 5 minutes and squeezed between the hands to remov (the long, thin, almost seedless kind)
• 3 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill (optional)
• salt

Directions

1. 1

   Just mix everything up together until it is all blended and the oil has emulsified into the yoghurt/sour cream. Taste for seasoning, and add salt if you think necessary. Put in a resealable container.

2. 2

   Allow to 'sit' in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before using to allow the flavors to come out.

3. 3

   This wonderful meze (we do not think of it as a sauce here- it is a thick 'salata') is used to counterpoint rich, bbq'd meats (like souvlaki/shish kebab), but can be used in more diverse ways.

4. 4

   Place a small plate full on your dinner table for people to scoop up small amounts onto their bread (preferably crisp-baked pita).

5. 5

   Fry up some zucchini or eggplant slices (dredge in flour and fried in olive oil) and serve with a dollop of tzatziki on top.

6. 6

   Use as a salad dressing.

7. 7

   A dip for crudites.

8. 8

   Note: If I have time, I often lightly salt the grated cucumber and put in a colander to drain, then squeeze out water as per usual. This eliminates even more water.