Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Cyprus with our authentic Tzatziki recipe. Made with creamy Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, zesty garlic, and fragrant herbs, this traditional dip offers a refreshing burst of Mediterranean taste with every bite. Perfect as a dip for pita bread, a sauce for grilled meats, or a topping for gyros, our Cyprus Tzatziki brings a taste of the sun-kissed shores of Cyprus right to your table. Enjoy the freshness and richness of this beloved culinary delight, crafted with love and tradition.

Here's a classic recipe for Cyprus Tzatziki

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (or mint, if preferred)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the cucumber: Peel the cucumber and grate it using a box grater. Once grated, place the cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with a little salt and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to release excess moisture. Afterward, squeeze out any remaining liquid from the cucumber using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.

Mix the yogurt: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill (or mint). Stir well to combine.

Add the cucumber: Once the grated cucumber is well drained, add it to the yogurt mixture. Stir until the cucumber is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt.

Season to taste: Taste the Tzatziki and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the Tzatziki to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve: Before serving, give the Tzatziki a final stir. Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread, as a sauce for grilled meats, or as a topping for gyros. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of Cyprus Tzatziki!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Cyprus Tzatziki recipe:

Greek Yogurt (2 cups):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 12g

Benefits :

• Rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• Contains calcium, important for bone health.
• Probiotics in yogurt promote gut health and digestion.

Cucumber (1 cucumber, approximately 300g):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g

Benefits :

• High water content helps keep the body hydrated.
• Low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamins K and C.
• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote skin health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

Benefits :

• Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
• Has been linked to boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

Benefits :

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and may help lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to overall heart health.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugars: 0.3g

Benefits :

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health.
• Helps promote hydration and aids digestion.
• Contains compounds that may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugars: 0g

Benefits :

• Rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health.
• Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
• May have antibacterial properties and contribute to digestive health.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, ripeness, and specific variety of ingredients used. Additionally, the serving size and proportions of the ingredients in the recipe can affect the final nutritional values.