Greek cuisine is one of the most loved cuisines in the world. Besides the play of spices and the abundance of fresh ingredients in every dish, every meal, sauce, and cooking technique will have its own unique story.
A classic Greek condiment that goes well with almost anything is tzatziki. Tzatziki is more than just a funky name for well-loved Greek sauce. This condiment is made of healthy ingredients, including grated cucumbers, yogurt, lemon, garlic, vinegar, and fresh herbs with a splash of olive oil.
Although the recipe will vary from region to region, this Greek sauce is always served with mezes or small appetizers and portions of meals. Besides that, it’s practically perfect with roasted meats and vegetables, making it the ultimate garnish for street foods like gyros, burgers, and more.
If your mouth is watering and you’re fighting the urge to call the nearest gyro spot, keep reading. We’ll tell you more about tzatziki, and by the end of this article, you’ll surely want to head out and grab a gyros burger (or two). Let’s dive in!
Dissecting Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a creamy, low-calorie condiment that has about 35 calories in two tablespoons. Simple tzatzikis can be made by only using three ingredients, such as yogurt as its base, some chopped-up cucumbers, and a splash of olive oil.
Ideally, you want to use Greek yogurt when you’re creating this sauce. This is because Greek yogurt is much creamier and thicker than regular yogurt since Greeks strain it to reduce water content, avoiding spoilage. However, you should know that you reduce its lactose content when you reduce Greek yogurt and increase its protein content, giving you 10 grams of protein for every 3.5 ounces.
With that being said, tzatziki not only gives you an explosion of flavors, it also gives your body the sufficient nutrients it needs. Besides that, it also aids in weight loss since it reduces your appetite, regulates your hunger hormones, and boosts your metabolism.
A Quick Blast to the Past with Tzatziki
When the Ottoman Empire was in its prime, India enjoyed the pure pleasure of a yogurt-based dip — raita sauce. And around this time, the Indian people were ruled by the elite Persian class who enjoyed the North Indian dish popularly known as biryani.
However, because Indians are known to love spicy food, this wasn’t particularly the taste the Persian elites were looking for. So, to balance this out, the Persians began to enjoy the balancing taste of raita sauce. From then, they realized that the cooling properties of cucumber and the soothing sensation of yogurt were the best solution for balancing spicy dishes.
After that, the Persians brought back the raita dish with them and introduced it to the Greeks. And out of all the regions in the Ottoman Empire, they loved the yogurt-based dip the most. Eventually, they conjured up their own versions, and the tzatziki was born.
How Do You Make Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is best served with roasted vegetables, gyro burgers, and more. It’s the best flavor balancer that gives the right amount of freshness and herbal kick. Here are the ingredients of the classic tzatziki:
- Strained Greek yogurt;
- Cucumbers;
- Garlic;
- Salt;
- Olive oil;
- Red wine vinegar;
- Dill;
- Herbs, like mint or parsley, and finally;
- Lemon.
It’s a Wrap: The Tzatziki Dip Is the Perfect Garnish for Any Greek Dish
One of the best dips of all time — and could practically work with any dish — is the tzatziki dip. Now that you know a little bit about tzatziki and its unique flavor characteristics, your tummy is probably grumbling, asking you to get your hands on a gyro burger with a hefty amount of tzatziki garnish.
Head to George’s Gyros Spot
If you’re craving Chicago dogs, Italian beef, Polish dogs, cheeseburgers, gyros burgers, and more, head over to George’s Gyros Spot.
Our restaurant is one of the best in town, and we take pride in serving delicious dishes topped with exceptional service. Whether you want to dine-in, drive-thru, or take out — give us a call, and we can help you satisfy your cravings today!