Tzatziki facts for kids
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| Type | Dip |
|---|---|
| Course | Appetizer |
| Place of origin | Ottoman Empire |
| Main ingredients | Strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, salt, sometimes lemon juice, dill, mint, or parsley |
Tzatziki (say "tza-TZI-kee") is a super yummy dip or sauce. It's also called Cacık (say "ja-JIK") in some places. You'll find it a lot in countries around the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East.
Imagine a cool, creamy yogurt dish with fresh, chopped vegetables. That's Tzatziki! It's perfect with spicy meat dishes from Mediterranean cooking.
Contents
What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a cold dish made mostly from yogurt. It's usually a thick, strained yogurt, often from sheep or goat milk. This makes it extra creamy and rich.
The main vegetable in Tzatziki is cucumber. It's usually chopped into small pieces or grated. This adds a refreshing crunch.
Key Ingredients for Tzatziki
Besides yogurt and cucumber, Tzatziki has a few other important ingredients. These give it its special flavor:
- Garlic: This adds a strong, savory taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps bring out all the flavors.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil makes it smooth and delicious.
Sometimes, people add other fresh ingredients too. These can include lemon juice for a tangy kick. Fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley are also popular.
How to Enjoy Tzatziki
Tzatziki is almost always served cold. It's a great way to cool down on a warm day. You can use it in many ways:
- As a dip for warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.
- As a sauce for grilled meats, like kebabs or chicken.
- As a side dish with rice or other main courses.
It's a very versatile and healthy addition to many meals.
Images for kids
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Turkish cacık seasoned with Aleppo pepper and mint
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Bulgarian tarator served as soup
See also
In Spanish: Tzatziki para niños
