Tzatziki

This is my bring-me-back-to-Greece vegan version of the wonderful and versatile side dish that is a staple food in the Greek kitchen. You can eat it as a dip with pita wedges or raw vegetables of your choice, top mixed salads for the Mediterranean touch or, this is my favorite, in a pita with vegan gyros. Perfect for a buffet or potluck, because you can prepare it the day before. The flavors have time to blend, and it tastes even better the second day!

You will need:

• ingredients, if you opt for the store-bought yogurt
• high speed blender, if you like it completely homemade (my preference!)

Ingredients:

• 1 English cucumber, peeled and shreddeed
• 2 cups (480 ml)  homemade vegan yogurt or store bought plain, unsweetened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 – 3/4 tsp Celtic sea salt
• 1 tsp or more minced fresh dill
• Kalamata olive to garnish (not necessary)
• 1 more Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Preparation:

Put a strainer into a bowl and cover it with either a clean cheese- or finely woven dish cloth. Transfer the cucumber shreds into the cloth covered strainer. Carefully squeeze the liquid out by holding the edges of the cloth up and twisting the little pouch. Let sit for a couple minutes while you prepare the yogurt sauce and repeat the process until as much liquid as possible is squeezed out. Put yogurt, garlic, 2 Tbsp olive oil, apple cider vinegar and salt into a medium size bowl and blend well. Add your cucumber shreds and blend again. Let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the flavors can unfold. Personally, I like tzatziki better with just a hint of dill, so I use about one teaspoon. If you prefer a stronger taste, just add more! Pour the remaining olive oil on top and garnish with olive and some more dill and . Beautiful and delicious!

Notes:

• You can enjoy your tzatziki right away, but it definitely tastes better after a few hours or the next day
• I have not tried it with any store bought vegan yogurt. They are usually too tart for my taste. You might have to play with the amount of apple cider vinegar a bit, if you take the store-bought-yogurt shortcut.
• This tzatziki is absolutely amazing with homemade pita and vegan gyros!