Introduction

Greek meze is a collection of small dishes meant to be shared among friends and family. They are perfect for starters or a light meal. One of the most popular meze dishes is tzatziki.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, chopped cucumber, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Before serving, give the tzatziki a good stir to redistribute any liquid that may have separated. Drizzle with more olive oil and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill if desired.

Tips:

• For an extra garlicky flavor, add an extra clove of minced garlic.
• For a creamier tzatziki, strain the Greek yogurt in a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess liquid.
• Try serving tzatziki with toasted pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables.