If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors but not so into dill, this Easy Tzatziki recipe is perfect for you. Tzatziki is a creamy and tangy Greek sauce traditionally made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. In this recipe, we skip the dill and still deliver all the freshness and deliciousness you expect from a classic tzatziki, making it an ideal accompaniment for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies or pita chips.
**Easy Tzatziki Without Dill**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 small cucumber, peeled and grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Start by preparing the cucumber. Peel the cucumber and grate it using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow excess water to drain.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil. Stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Take the grated cucumber from the strainer, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and squeeze out any excess moisture. Add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture and stir to combine.
4. Finely chop the fresh mint and add it to the tzatziki sauce. The mint adds a refreshing and aromatic flavor that complements the tangy yogurt and garlic.
5. Season the tzatziki with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember that the flavors will continue to develop as the sauce rests in the refrigerator, so don’t go overboard with the salt at first.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful tzatziki.
7. Once chilled, give the tzatziki a final stir before serving. You can drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a decorative touch.
Enjoy this Easy Tzatziki Without Dill with your favorite dishes, such as grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, falafel, or as a refreshing dip for crudites or pita bread. The creamy texture, tangy taste, and subtle mint flavor make this sauce a versatile and delicious addition to your meals. It’s a simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare but delivers a big impact on flavor. So, next time you’re looking for a no-fuss sauce that’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness, give this dill-free tzatziki a try!
