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Chef Giannis' Tzaztiki Recipe

The Limani way.

Giannis is the Executive Chef at Limani, a family-run Greek restaurant offering elevated Aegean food, and he recently let us in on the secrets behind one of Greece’s most beloved dips.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups (300 g) of full fat Greek yogurt. If shopping at SouthPark's Whole Foods or Harris Teeter, Chef recommends Fage brand. 
  • 1/2 of a fresh cucumber
  • 1 finely grated garlic clove
  • 2 tsp lemon juice 
  • 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar (optional)
  • 1 1/2 tsp finely chopped dill 
  • 1 tsp finely chopped mint (optional)
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

This recipe will yield about 1.5 cups of tzatziki.

Utensils You'll Need:

  • Grater
  • Cheese cloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Knife
  • Spoon or rubber spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Grate the cucumber and let it drain in a colander or fine mesh strainer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the remaining juice using a cheese cloth or clean kitchen towel. You can discard the juice, or use it to add a fresh element to water or cocktails.
  2. Combine the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and optional vinegar.
  3. Fold in the cucumber, dill, optional mint, and salt and pepper.
  4. Mix in the olive oil. Season to your liking!
  5. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

NOTE: Chef encourages you to measure from the heart, which means tasting as you go and adjusting based on your personal preferences. 

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