Cacik Recipes

CACIK (TURKISH TZATZIKI)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix the garlic, yoghurt and mint. Gently add the cucumbers and season well with salt.
• If serving as a dip, add to your serving bowl and top with extra virgin olive oil and some fresh mint. Serve immediately, or as soon as possible.
• If serving as a soup, add water until you reach the desired consistency. Transfer to 4 small bowls, topping with a little extra virgin olive oil and fresh mint and serve immediately.

TURKISH YOGURT WITH CUCUMBERS AND HERBS (CACıK)

Steps:

• First, whisk the yogurt and olive oil together to make a smooth mixture. Gradually whisk in the water until you get the consistency you want. Some prefer their 'cacık' watery while some like it thick. It's completely up to you.
• Next add the cucumbers, garlic, and spices and mix thoroughly until smooth. Adjust the spices to your taste.
• It is best to refrigerate your 'cacık' for a few hours before serving. Serve your ice-cold 'cacık' in small, decorative bowls. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil in the center of each one. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh mint or dill weed.

TURKISH CACIK

Steps:

• Place yoghurt in a large bowl.
• Add all other ingredients, except salt and water, and mix thoroughly.
• Add water until required consistency is achieved.
• Stir in some salt, taste and add more if required.
• Chill in refrigerator for about two hours before serving.

CACIK

Steps:

• Peel the cucumber and seed it, if necessary, then coarsely grate or finely chop it.
• Place the grated cucumber in a colander and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Let stand, over a bowl or in sink, for 20 minutes to drain off some of the excess water from the cucumber.
• Blot the cucumber dry with paper towels.
• Put the yogurt in a bowl.
• Stir in cucumber, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons of mint/dill, 1 tablespoon oil and pepper.
• Taste for seasoning, adding salt or pepper as necessary.
• To serve, drizzle with remaining tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle remaining tablespoon of mint/dill.
• Serve as a dip with wedges of fresh pita bread.

CACIK

Steps:

• Finely grate cucumber. Put grated cucumber in a colander and sprinkle with a little salt. Let sit for about 30 minutes, this will help get the excess water out of the cucumber.
• With your hands, squeeze the excess water out of the cucumber.
• Put into a bowl and mix in yogurt and dill or mint. Enjoy!
• While in Turkey, I don't really remember it having dill or mint but have found I like it with either one. Also, I add two cloves of garlic and I am well into garlicky flavor.