Tzatziki

Tzatziki (τζατζίκι; also transcribed jajiki) is a Greek meze, or appetizer, also used as a sauce or dip. The Greek word is derived from the Turkish cacık, which means a form of chutney. It is made of yoghurt (which in Greece and Turkey is usually made of sheep or goat milk), cucumbers (either pureed and strained or seeded and finely diced), onion, and garlic for taste—in Greece this can be as much as a whole head of garlic for a large bowlful of tzatziki. It is usually seasoned with olive oil and diverse herbs including dill or mint, and usually a spoonful of vinegar is added. It is often served with pita bread as the first course of a meal, with black olives on top or served separately. It is one of the standard components of the Turkish kebab or Greek Souvlaki and gyros.

Similar dishes in Iraq are known as djadjik.

Cacık may also be compared with raita in India, all are served as a refreshing appetizer alongside with other dishes.

The Sephardic Jewish name for this sauce, at least in Greece, is Tarator.

See also