tzatziki
every so often you stumble onto recipes that remind you of a dish from your childhood. Tzatziki is a Greek cucumber yogurt sauce very similar to the Indian cucumber raita.
2 cups grated cucumber (grate on the large holes of a box grater)
1 ½ cups plain yogurt, whisked
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh mint and/or dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
Working with one big handful at a time, lightly squeeze the grated cucumber between your palms over the sink to remove excess moisture. Transfer the squeezed cucumber to a serving bowl, and repeat with the remaining cucumber.
Add the yogurt, olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to the bowl, and stir to blend. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and add additional chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, and/or salt, if necessary.
Serve tzatziki immediately or chill for later. Leftover tzatziki keeps well, chilled, for about 4 days.