CUCUMBER YOGURT DIP-KURU CACIK

There’s long list of Turkish mezes (appetizers) that thick strained yogurt and garlic are used as the base. This refreshing yogurt dip happens to be one of the sought after mezes that accompany dinner parties that last hours and hours. It could be used as a dip and served with pita bread wedges or crackers as well.

The Turkish name for this appetizer is KURU CACIK which means “dry cacık”. It is similar to the Greek dish called Tzatziki.  It evolved from CACIK, Turkish cold soup with yogurt, cucumbers and garlic. In cacık, yogurt is diluted with water, thus consumed with a spoon. 

I use fresh dill and dry mint to add flavor. You can use either or both or none based on your taste. Only yogurt, garlic, cucumbers and salt are must have ingredients. 

Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

• 1  pound Persian cucumbers
• 2 tea spoons salt 
• 3 table spoons olive oil
• 1 tea spoon white wine vinegar
• 2 cups Greek Yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1 heaping table spoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tea spoon dry mint 
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil to garnish
• A few sprigs of dill to garnish

Directions:

1. Wash, peel and grate cucumbers using the coarse side of the grater. If you are using organic cucumbers you don’t need to peel them.
2. Place grated cucumber in a small bowl, sprinkle 2 tea spoons of salt on it, set aside for 5-10 minutes. It will release a lot of juice. Drain the juice of the cucumber by taking a handful at a time and squeezing between your hands. Place drained cucumber in a sieve, set aside. 
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, vinegar and garlic. 
4. Place yogurt in a large bowl. Add cucumber, olive oil sauce to the yogurt. Mix well. Add salt if necessary.  
5. Transfer the cucumber dip to a serving plate. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with sprigs of dill.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more. Serve chilled.

Notes:

• Vinegar adds flavor. It can be skipped if you don’t want.
• You can serve it alongside hummus or similar dips. 

AFIYET OLSUN!
BON APPETIT!

Ingredients

Salted Cucumbers

Squeezed cucumbers

Ready to mix ingredients

Mix all ingredients

Ready to serve

Yogurt Cucumber dip served with hummus

Garnished with cucumbers tomatoes and dill