Discover the perfect side dish with our Jajik recipe, a refreshing yogurt-based salad featuring crisp cucumbers and fragrant herbs. This traditional dish is ideal for enhancing any meal with its creamy texture and zesty flavor. Learn how to make Jajik at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light, healthy addition to your dining table.

Here's a simple recipe for making Jajik:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt

- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and finely diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)

- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried mint)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. If the cucumber is very watery, you can pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, dill, and mint.

Season: Add the olive oil and lemon juice to the mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light appetizer. Enjoy!

Notes:

- For extra crunch, you can add a small amount of finely chopped red onion or bell pepper.

- Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs according to your taste preferences.

This Jajik recipe is perfect for summer meals or as a healthy, cooling side to spicy dishes.

Nutritional Values

Plain Greek Yogurt (2 cups):

  - Calories: 220 calories

  - Protein: 20 grams

  - Fat: 10 grams (varies by fat content of yogurt)

  - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

  - Calcium: 400 mg (varies by brand)

Benefits:

  - Protein: High protein content helps in muscle repair and growth.

  - Calcium: Supports bone health and teeth strength.

  - Probiotics: Supports gut health and digestion.

Cucumber (1 medium):

  - Calories: 16 calories

  - Protein: 0.7 grams

  - Fat: 0.2 grams

  - Carbohydrates: ~4 grams

  - Fiber: 1 gram

  - Vitamin C: 4.5 mg

  - Potassium: 150 mg

Benefits:

  - Hydration: Cucumbers are high in water, aiding in hydration.

  - Low in Calories: Helps in maintaining a healthy weight.

  - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: 10 calories

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

  - Fat: 0.03 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 2.3 grams

  - Vitamin C: 2 mg

  - Manganese: 0.2 mg

Benefits:

  - Antimicrobial: Has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

  - Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that reduce inflammation.

Fresh Dill (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 5 calories

  - Protein: 0.3 grams

  - Fat: 0.1 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Vitamin A: 70 IU

  - Vitamin C: 1.4 mg

  - Calcium: 32 mg

Benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

  - Digestive Health: Can aid in digestion and relieve bloating.

Fresh Mint (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 5 calories

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

  - Fat: 0.1 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Vitamin C: 1.5 mg

  - Iron: 0.8 mg

Benefits:

  - Digestive Health: Helps soothe digestive issues and relieve nausea.

  - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 120 calories

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 14 grams (primarily monounsaturated fat)

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Vitamin E: 1.9 mg

Benefits:

  - Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

  - Nutrient Absorption: Helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 4 calories

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Vitamin C: 7 mg

Benefits:

  - Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and supports skin health.

  - Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants that protect cells from damage.