Tzatziki Recipe

Tzatziki is a classic Greek yoghurt, cucumber and mint dip which is great for all occasions. Simple yet refreshing, it can be enjoyed as a mezze appetiser or as a sauce - for instance with generous lashings over a pita gyros.

Ingredients (2-3 people)

400g plain Greek yoghurt

1/2 cucumber (peeled and deseeded)

2 cloves of garlic (minced)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Handful of fresh mint and dill (finely chopped)

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp cumin powder

Salt and pepper

Preparation (15min)

1. Remove the liquid from the cucumber first - no one wants watery tzatziki, right? - by grating the cucumber into a sieve or cheesecloth and covering with a hefty pinch of salt to draw out the liquid. Leave for 10min and then remove any excess liquid by patting it dry with a paper towel.

2. In a bowl place the grated cucumber, yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, spices, mint and dill. Season with salt and pepper (careful: there will be salt leftover from the cucumber). Mix everything together.

3. Serve. Garnish with a sprig of mint or dill and a drizzle of olive oil.

TIP 1: For best results leave to chill in the fridge overnight.

TIP 2: Cut the cucumber down the middle lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.