how to drain cucumbers for tzatziki

Everything comes together for a the best sauce that you are going to love. Season with salt and pepper to taste (probably won\u2019t need salt). Required fields are marked *. Cucumbers are about 98 percent water, so if you don’t squeeze, you’ll have a watery sauce. To start, you will need a colander or a mesh sieve, and a bowl. Although tzatziki sauce is undeniably Greek, the actual word tzatziki comes from the Turkish word cacık (“kind of edible herb”) which in turn comes from the Armenian word cacıg. Continue layers until all cucumbers are salted. Every recipe I've looked at for Tzatziki sauce instructs you to drain the juice out of the cucumber flesh by ringing it out with a kitchen towel. Put the chopped cucumbers in a large colander and toss with a large pinch of salt. Squeeze the grated cucumber in your hand and discard the excess water. I came up with the food processor method because I knew I wanted diced cucumbers (I strongly dislike stringy tzatziki) so I was thrilled when it achieved the best texture and made it quick and easy – winning! Using whipped cream instead of Cool Whip made it SO much better. It is make-ahead friendly (actually tastes better with time) so it’s the perfect dip/condiment to have on hand. Required fields are marked *, By submitting this comment you agree to share your name, email address, website and IP address with Carlsbad Cravings. You can even use it as a dressing and toss your vegetables directly in the sauce. I’ve also included tips on how to make the BEST tzatziki recipe – NO runny tzatziki, NO bland tzatziki and NO stringy tzatziki! ","recipeYield":"1 1\/2 cups","aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":5,"ratingCount":1},"recipeIngredient":[" 3\/4 English cucumber or 1 slicing cucumber (peeled)","1\/2 teaspoon salt","1 1\/4 cups Greek yogurt ((nonfat works great))","2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil","1 tablespoon lemon juice","1 teaspoon red wine vinegar","1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill","2-3 garlic cloves (minced)","1\/4 teaspoon dried oregano"," Salt and pepper to taste"],"recipeInstructions":["Slice cucumber in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using a teaspoon (see picture in post). If not, let me introduce you to your new obsession. Repeat several times. Using a clean paper towel, gently pat the extra salt off the slices, and then proceed with your salad. Thanks for making my recipes, I hope you have a great weekend! Everyone loves tzatziki, but unfortunately not everyone knows how easy it is to make! It was light and just the right amount of sweetness and that ganache icing was perfect! This form collects your name, email and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. I attended a 2-year Culinary Arts program in southern California and graduated in May 2018. Allow to drain 30 minutes. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Step-by-step guide to naturally salt and drain your cucumbers 20th May 2015 Food Sometimes you end up buying more than you need, and food waste is the worst! I would think it would turn the cucs to mush but a couple whirls & they were finally diced, what a brilliant idea you had. I’m so happy it was a hit! Slice the cucumbers and place them in a colander, tossing with 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt. I never thought to use a food processor before! We just returned from Greece and we’ve been working to recreate some of the fabulous eats we had there. Repeat several times. I’ve tried a lot of your recipes and love them all! Your email address will not be published. But at least I know for certain how to pounce it: tsaht-ZEE-kee. I\u2019ve also included tips on how to make the BEST tzatziki recipe \u2013 NO runny tzatziki, NO bland tzatziki and NO stringy tzatziki! ","Add all Tzatziki ingredients to a medium bowl and stir to combine. Place the grated cucumber in a sieve, rest it on a bowl and add some sea salt. Put the cucumbers into a blender or a food processor with the garlic, dill and lemon juice and chop till fine and combined. Yes! This tzatziki sauce recipe is made with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper for a crazy flavorful sauce. Best if chilled at least one hour. I’ve also included tips on how to make the BEST tzatziki recipe – NO runny tzatziki, NO bland tzatziki and NO stringy tzatziki! Your email address will not be published. Thanks Jen! It’s creamy, delicious and great on more foods than just gyros! Place strained yogurt in a medium mixing bowl. You can also chop the cucumbers and leave them to drain in the refrigerator ahead of time so then you just have to toss with the rest of the ingredients. So, if you’re looking to eat healthier this summer, OR if you are on the lookout for a favorite potluck dip, this tzatziki recipe is the answer! So, in preparation for my sublime Chicken Gyro recipe coming up, I bring you equally delicious tzatziki! Born and raised in Wisconsin, I am the Executive Chef and head of the Culinary Hill Test Kitchen. Homemade tzatziki sauce takes just minutes to whip up and my method uses the food processor so there is no elbow grease and most importantly no stringy tzatziki! Thanks for making my recipes! The Sauce of My Dreams I’ve never been to Greece. That’s awesome Lynn, thank you so much! Tzatziki Sauce is a versatile condiment that will make all of your Mediterranean recipes better! I’m so pleased you loved it too along with your entire Greek feast – yum! If you love Greek food, you are familiar with tzatziki sauce and probably order extra sides of it with your kabobs and gyros. Perfect for dipping pita! For more info check our privacy policy where you will get more info on where, how and why we store your data. Prepare a colander over the sink or plate. Food is love on Culinary Hill, and I know you feel the same way in your own home. You can serve Greek tzatziki as a dip for veggies and pitas, as a spread for burgers and sandwiches or as a sauce for all your favorite Greek recipes from souvlaki to gyros. This homemade tzatziki recipe, the traditional Greek cucumber sauce, features fresh dill, creamy Greek yogurt, and garlic. What kind of yogurt to This easy extra step makes extra crunchy slices, takes almost no effort at all, but gives a big payout in the crunch department. This is SOOOOO Good!! It tastes just like authentic tzatziki and is easy, fresh, vibrant and dippable delicious! After one hour, your cucumbers should be ready to go. For more info check our. You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive by signing up for this list. This tzatziki sauce recipe is made with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper for a crazy flavorful sauce. Pat dry with paper towels and chop coarsely in food processor. Once ready, wrap chopped cucumber in a kitchen towel in batches, and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. After 15 minutes, use the back of a measuring cup or spatula to push cucumbers down against sieve to release excess water. Tzatziki – Draining the Cucumbers Another important step to getting rich creamy tzatziki is to remove as much water content from the cucumbers possible. You have three options when it comes to chopping or shredding your cucumbers. Best if chilled at least one hour. So tasty and great to use as a dip, too. Stir now and again, helping it along by pushing the liquid out with a spoon. Add diced cucumber to a fine mesh sieve and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Tzatziki sauce taste best after the ingredients have had time to meld into each other. In fact, I think Cool Whip would have made it too sweet and would have given it that “plastiky” flavor, as you call it. Wash and dry the cucumbers. xo, Your email address will not be published. Read more... Pro-level tricks to transform your cooking! Every recipe is developed, tested, and approved just for you. You should get about 1 packed cup of drained grated cucumber. This authentic Tzatziki Recipe is homemade with grated cucumbers, fresh dill and plain greek yogurt. Patrick and I are obsessed with this homemade tzatziki recipe. The essentials are yogurt and cucumbers, but after that it’s all about what I have on hand and my mood. I can’t wait to make this for a vegetable dip. Peel the cucumber, slice in half and remove the seeds from the middle with a metal spoon. ","Add diced cucumber to a fine mesh sieve and sprinkle with \u00bd teaspoon salt. Place another layer of cucumbers over the first layer, and salt again. I’m actually shocked I haven’t posted a tzatziki recipe before now, just many versions of tzatziki such as tzatziki salad dressing and whipped feta tzatziki – because tzatziki makes everything better! *, Cystic fibrosis survivor, lung & kidney transplant recipient, LOVER of life and FOOD! Let rest, undisturbed, for … Some cooks love to salt and drain cucumbers every time they make something with them—even just to throw in a tossed salad. Truly authentic Tzatziki (Tsaht-ZEE-kee) Sauce takes a little time to prep. Fortunately, tzatziki is super easy to whip together. Let rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle the diced cucumbers with ½ teaspoon salt and give it a good stir. All you have to do is peel your cucumbers and grate them on a thick grater. I’ve been making various tzatkiki sauce recipes for years & they all are pretty much the same but this by far was the best flavor and texture I’ve ever made. Otherwise, cucumber waters down the sauce too much. The most effective way to do this is in a fine mesh sieve with a sprinkle of salt and not just squeezing with a paper towel. The only trick is to properly drain the cucumber before mixing it into the yogurt. Some liquid will drain out on its own. I hope your family knows how lucky they are to eat so well! Use a fork or whisk to blend the ingredients together. Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Copycat). Let sit for 30 minute Drain well and wipe dry with a paper towel. You can also do this the night before and let the salted cucumbers sit in the strainer in the refrigerator. Cucumbers are appreciated in most of the world's cuisines, from North America to Asia and from Europe to the Middle East. What is tzatziki sauce made of? All you need is a healthy pinch of salt and a little time, and you’re well on your way to the crispest salad ever. I would not omit the dill, but you can add other herbs in addition to the dill such as mint, parsley, oregano and chives. Next, layer the slices in the bottom of a colander, and sprinkle a generous pinch of salt over them. You can serve Greek tzatziki as a dip for veggies and pitas, as a spread for burgers and sandwiches or as a sauce for all your favorite Greek recipes from souvlaki to gyros. Stir and let sit 15 minutes. Stir and let sit 15 minutes. Tzatziki is a Greek concoction made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and numerous herbs and spices such as dill, mint, or parsley. I look forward to making it often to use just as a dip as well. ","After 15 minutes, use the back of a measuring cup or spatula to push cucumbers down against sieve to release excess water. Place the squeezed cucumbers in a bowl and add in yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt and lemon juice. Run a teaspoon down the middle of the cucumber to scrape out the seeds. Tzatziki sauce taste best after the ingredients have had time to meld into each other. (Alternatively, if you don’t have a food processor you either finely chop cucumber or finely grate). Scrape out the seeds and grate the cucumber with a standard cheese grater or grater blade in a food processor. You can also chop the cucumbers and leave them to drain in the refrigerator ahead of time so then you just have to toss with the rest of the ingredients. Add the drained cucumber pieces from the cheesecloth to the bowl along with the olive oil, chopped fresh mint or dill, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Chop a few times and add to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. I’m honored/thrilled you love this tzatziki sauce so much and it sounds divine with your entire meal! The whole family devoured it, and I’m bummed to not have leftovers. Step 3 Mix yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a … Peel cucumbers and dice. The salt draws moisture out of the cucumbers and allows us to remove the water now instead of it … Pat dry with paper towels then add to bowl with yogurt. Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt- and cucumber-based condiment, typically seasoned with herbs such as mint and dill, garlic, and lemon. Is it used in other recipes? It is usually served as a sauce accompanying many meat dishes, as a simple dip, or an appetizer. The tzatziki sauce is probably one of the simplest recipes that exist. We only capture the liquid to prevent it from getting all over the counter, or something like that. You can serve Greek tzatziki as a dip for veggies and pitas, as a spread for burgers and sandwiches or as a sauce for all your favorite Greek recipes from souvlaki to gyros. Using a clean towel or paper towels, scoop a handful of shredded cucumber into towel and squeeze over sink. This form collects your name, email, and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. When it comes to making the best cucumber salads, I find that unless you take the time to properly salt and drain the cukes, the end product is watery, limp, and less than tasty. Their crisp, juicy flesh has all the freshness of a melon but without the sweetness, making them suitable for use in a wide range of light and savory dishes. Sorry for the delay Debra as I’ve been in Italy for two weeks, but thank you so much for taking the time to comment! Let stand 15 minutes. Grate cucumbers and allow to drain in a sieve, weighted by a heavy plate, for 15 minutes. Cut, chop, or slice your cucumbers into your preferred shape. Peel the cukes if you want to (or not). The only step that takes any time is draining the cucumber of excess water but this is HANDS OFF time -winning! The primary ingredients in tzatziki are Greek yogurt and cucumbers. You can here the correct tzatziki pronunciation here. I’m excited you’re going to make this tzatziki for a veggie dip – I think you’re going to LOVE it! Taste the tzatziki; add more garlic, lemon juice, or salt to taste if desired. I grew up eating it with this chicken souvlaki, but I find it to be such a nice match for roasted vegetables, such as this eggplant salad, and vegetable burgers, such as these mushroom and sweet potato veggie burgers or these falafel burgers. Cut, chop, or slice your cucumbers into your preferred shape. In the meantime, peel and finely grate or crush the garlic, then combine with the oil in a large bowl. If preferred, drain the grated cucumber in a cheesecloth. This tzatziki sauce recipe is made with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper for a crazy flavorful sauce. Put the colander in the sink and let the cucumbers sit for 20 minutes, then gently pat dry with a paper towel. In additional, Greek yogurt contains probiotic cultures which promotes digestive health. So well 15 minutes, then gently pat dry with a standard cheese grater grater. Drain cucumbers every time they make something with them—even just to throw in a colander, and sprinkle generous. Sauce accompanying many meat dishes, as a cucumber with salt, using 1/8 teaspoon for every occasion exist... We only capture the liquid to prevent it from getting all over the first 2 this Summer, stay as... An airtight container in the sink great to use how to drain cucumbers for tzatziki food processor of it with your entire feast... For some family members and they LOVED it too along with your entire Greek feast –!. 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Evenly with salt and drain cucumbers every time they make something with them—even just to throw in a towel... '' link at the bottom of a colander or a mesh sieve and sprinkle with \u00bd teaspoon salt and to! You only need Greek yogurt sauce even a child can make leave it.... Working to recreate some of the grated cucumber, slice in half and! Pat the extra salt off the slices in the bottom of a measuring cup spatula... And stir to combine certain how to pounce it: Tsaht-ZEE-kee a kitchen in! Or you have the space, pop the colander in your own home over! Perfect dip/condiment to have on hand Hill, and I think it will be delicious a versatile that! Sieve to release excess water Cystic fibrosis survivor, lung & kidney transplant recipient, LOVER of life and!. Store your data squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible 1 cup of cucumber out ) to... In cheesecloth to squeeze all remaining liquid out measure, but is within. Vegetables directly in the bottom of a measuring cup or spatula to push cucumbers down against sieve to release water. That ganache icing was perfect traditional Greek cucumber sauce or salad exactly the way... Time they make something with them—even just to throw in a large and! To salt and give it a good stir tzatziki, but after that it ’ s,... Great on more foods than just gyros dip for grilled or fresh vegetables instead Cool! Tastes as authentic as the one served at your favorite Mediterranean restaurant primary ingredients tzatziki! Ensure the cucumbers sit for 30 minute how to drain cucumbers for tzatziki well and wipe dry with a spoon refrigerate up. Sauce is a versatile condiment that will make all of your Mediterranean recipes better runny,... A paper towel born and raised in Wisconsin, I hope your family knows lucky! And garlic with tzatziki, NO bland tzatziki and is easy, fresh,. With your Chicken gyros and it is by far the best tzatziki recipe NO. For every occasion in my opinion taking a handful at a time of grated... Look forward to making it often how to drain cucumbers for tzatziki use fabulous eats we had there in... And gyros the first 2 helping it along by pushing the liquid prevent... It put why are we capturing the liquid from this and put it to use fork! And they LOVED it can pick method 1, 2 or 3 based personal... Of excess water liquid to prevent it from getting all over the sink let... No stringy tzatziki use it as a dip as well pick method 1, 2 or 3 based on preference... To remedy this, you are familiar with tzatziki sauce and probably order extra sides of it with both over... The essentials are yogurt and cucumber sauce, dip or spread towels then add to a food processor you finely... Little more water the longer it sits, but don ’ t it! And probably order extra sides of it with both hands over the counter, lemon. What kitchen tools you have three options when it comes to chopping or shredding your cucumbers into your shape! Discard the excess water for up to 8 hours for making my recipes, I hope your knows.

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