Authentic Greek Tzatziki

Everyone loves a good dip and this is one of the classics. However, you rarely get a really good shop-bought one and once you've made your own, you won't look back!

A punchy combination of yogurt, cucumber, garlic and olive oil with a dash of vinegar to cut through and a touch of oregano for earthiness, tzatziki is utter perfection. You can serve it simply with pita and crisps for dipping or serve it alongside grilled meats or fish with a crisp green salad for a full meal.

Authentic Greek Tzatziki

½ large cucumber

1½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt

2 large garlic cloves, finely grated 

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp white vinegar 

1 tsp dried oregano

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Grate the cucumber then drain through a fine mesh sieve. Allow the grated cucumber to drain overnight in the fridge by placing the sieve over a bowl and covering with plastic wrap. If you don’t have time to do the overnight drain, just press the cucumber in the sieve to press out as much of the liquid as you can.

Mix the rest of the ingredients except the oregano in a large bowl with a big pinch of salt and pepper. The yogurt should be really smooth so make sure you really give it a good mix. Cover and refrigerate the yogurt mix overnight. 

The next day, when you are ready to serve the tzatziki. Take the yogurt mixture out of the refrigerator and transfer the grated cucumber and oregano into the yogurt mixture. Stir well to combine then serve.