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buckytom
07-23-2010, 01:19 PM
i really shouldn't call this my sauce as i'm sure millions of people around the world make it nearly if not exactly the same way. besides, it's terribly easy and simple, and the few ingredients are widely flexible to accomodate personal tastes.

in any case, here's my rendition of a delicious, garlic-y sauce that goes well on spicy grilled meats like chicken, beef, and lamb.

i recently made this to accompany moroccan shish kebabs, and it saved the dish by adding moisture to the overcooked lean pork. i've found it's also great on burgers, and grilled chicken breasts, and even smoked turkey legs.



ingredients:

16 ozs. greek style plain yogurt (greek yogurt is thicker than regular. you can drain regular yogurt in a cheese cloth to get the same effect.)

4 large cloves of garlic

1 small cucumber

2 tbsps red wine vinegar

1 tbsp evoo

2 heaping tbsps chopped fresh parsley

pinch of coarse sea salt


directions:

place greek yogurt in a large bowl. add red wine vinegar, evoo, and chopped fresh parsley.

peel and finely mince the garlic, then adding coarse sea salt while dragging the knife blade across to it to help it become more like a paste. add garlic paste to the yogurt.

peel, cut in half lengthwise, seed, then finely dice the cucumber, discarding the seeds and peel. wrap the diced cuke in a thick paper towel and squeeze out any extra moisture. add to the yogurt (minus the paper towel, lol).

stir the yogurt mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.

refrigerate overnight, up to a few days to let the flavours combine.

and that's it! tsatsiki time! :chef:

Doc
07-23-2010, 02:19 PM
sounds interesting for sure BT. I do believe we'll give this a try. Thanks. :tiphat:

MexicoKaren
07-23-2010, 03:16 PM
That sounds delicious, BT. Would also be good on salmon, I bet. Or roast beef. Or just about anything, except maybe strawberries. Thanks!

vyapti
07-23-2010, 04:55 PM
I just picked up the fixin's for this today for zucchini fritters and a chickpea/chard salad. Mine's more of a raita, with red onion and cumin, and like to add a couple spoonfuls of cream cheese too, just to make it creamier. Its the perfect summer sauce, though. So refreshing.

GotGarlic
07-23-2010, 05:01 PM
I LOVE tzatziki! I'm a bit lazy, so I use my food processor to shred the cucumber, and add a tsp or so of chopped fresh mint. It's also really good as a dip with pita chips or fresh veggies.

QSis
07-23-2010, 06:12 PM
Yumm! I love tzagiki (whatever), but I always put too much garlic and it's almost spicy hot because of it. I like that you add 4 cloves to 16 oz. of yogurt - that sounds just right.

Could you say more about the kebabs, BT? I am jonesing for kebabs this summer. I was thinking beef, but I have a pork tenderloin in the freezer that would be a nice change.

How'd you do them?

Lee

buckytom
07-24-2010, 10:14 AM
doc, et al, let me know if you make this. i'm always interested in friends' tastes and tweaks.

vy, lol about the raita. there's almost as many if not more versions of that as there of tsatsiki.

karen, it's a condiment that ranks up there with ketchup and mustard, but just like those it's not for everything. strawberries?? <shudder>> lol.
i think i'll have to try it with salmon. good idea.

gg, i've heard of adding mint but haven't tried it yet. i have a small patch of mint in the yard, so, i may make a small batch to see.

qsis, i'll post the rub/marinade for the kebabs in a little while. it was the ones i made last week with pork tenderloin, grapes, red peppers, and red onions.

QSis
07-24-2010, 11:23 AM
BT, looking forward to the middle-eastern kebabs! I sent QBro out to get some lamb shoulder chops on sale to cut up for them. I have a big fresh spearmint plant so will thread some mint leaves on the skewers, too.

I think Monday will be a nice day to grill.

Lee

AllenOK
08-03-2010, 02:24 PM
I may have to make some tzatziki here at the house, just to expose my kids to it.

Now you've got me jonsing for a nice gyro!