Make Ahead Appetizers - Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki (pronounced dza-DZEE-kee) is a classic Greek dip traditionally served with toasted small pita breads as an appetizer, then left on the table where the tzatziki sauce is then used as an accompaniment to foods served throughout the meal. Tzatziki sauce is commonly served with souvlaki and gyros.

The three key elements in great tzatziki recipes are a thick Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers and a good amount of garlic. The thick creamy texture of this tzatziki sauce (courtesy About.com: Greek Food) gives it the versatility to be served in a multitude of ways - eaten alone, as a tzatziki dip appetizer, a tzatziki sauce for meat, and as a condiment.

Tzatziki sauce is great as make-ahead appetizers since the longer the tzatziki sauce is refrigerated before serving, the more intense the garlic taste will become.

Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients:
16 ounces (2 cups) of thick Greek yogurt
4 to 10 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup of diced or grated cucumber (Kirby or "English")
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 teaspoons of lemon juice

Preparation:
Prepare all ingredients in advance. Combine oil and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl. Fold the yogurt in slowly, making sure it mixes completely with the oil. Add the garlic, according to taste, and the cucumber. Stir until evenly distributed. Garnish with a bit of green and serve well chilled.

Yield: about 2 1/2 cups

Add mint or dill:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill and/or fresh mint for a tasty variation on the basic tzatziki recipe.

Shopping Tip:
Choose Greek full-fat yogurts, available at Greek, Middle Eastern, and specialty food markets. This yogurt has a higher fat content than most yogurts, which gives this tzatziki recipe its deliciously rich, creamy texture.

Preparation Tips:
Kirby or "English" cucumbers work the best in most tzatziki recipes, but if unavailable, peel and seed your cucumber before dicing or grating, then pat it dry with paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

The longer the tzatziki is refrigerated before serving, the more intense the garlic taste will become.

Storage:
Tzatziki sauce will store safely in the refrigerator for several days. If excess liquid accumulates on top, just pour it off.

Enjoy!!

For more great make ahead appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
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