I was surprised to learn that Turkey is not among the first 10 countries consuming the most yogurt in the world. France is at the top of the list. At least the word yogurt is Turkish and means thickening. This Cucumber Yogurt Salad called Cacık just one of the ways yogurt is served in Turkey.
Is Cacik the same as tzatziki?
The pronunciation is different, the Greek having an “i” in the end. Other than this the ingredients and preparation is the same. Turkish version is more like a cold soup, much thinner and served in a small bowl. Greek version is thicker, like a paste and served as a side.
What is Cacık made of?
The ingredient of a delicious cacık are just yogurt, cold water, salt, cucumber and garlic. Red pepper flakes, dry mint flakes and/or fresh chopped dill are also added. Sometimes people also like to drizzle a little bit of high quality olive oil on top too. Overall cacık has no unhealthy ingredients and it is very easy to prepare. You can rest assured that you can consume it even when you are pregnant.
What can I serve Cacık with?
You can serve it with almost any dish except fish. Cacık is good side to meatballs, kebabs, boreks, pulses and even vegetable dishes such as green beans. It can be an easy alternative for a salad or a fruit compote.
How long is homemade cacık good for?
As with most of the dishes and sides, cacık is at its best when just prepared as it has garlic in it. But it will stay good – when covered and in the fridge – for up to 3 days.
How to prepare homemade cacık?
You only need 5-10 minutes to put it on the table. Rinse, peel (optional) and chop the cucumbers to small bits, crush and dice the garlic and add salt to taste. Adjust the amount of water to your likes. Sprinkle with mint flakes and you are ready!
Do not grate the cucumber or use a food processor. The cucumber pieces turn soggy and some pieces are too long and unpleasant when eating.
Most Turkish people enjoy cacik with a thickness close to a soup, but you can serve it much thicker, all up to you. How do you like your cacik, let me know in the comments please.
You can adjust the thickness easily by adding less or more water. If you will be serving immediately make sure to use cold water. Enjoy.
If you like this recipe check recipe for Haydari too which is thicker and with no cucumbers in it.
Cucumber Yogurt Salad / Cacık
Ingredients
- 1-2 cucumbers large
- 500 grams yogurt plain
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dry mint flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
- 200 milllilitres drinking water approximately
- 1 tsp salt to taste
Instructions
- Pour the yogurt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk it to make it smooth.
- Cut the cucumber to very tiny cubes. Do not grate or use a processor if possible; if you do the cucumbers become messy and watery.
- Add the cucumber to the yogurt. Mix. Add cold drinking water until you have a thick texture. Do not forget this is supposed to be eaten with a spoon, like a soup. Some like it really watery, some with some thickness. Make it according to your taste.
- Add salt, dry mint flakes. Mix
- You can also add chopped dill, red pepper flakes and a tablespoonful of extra virgin olive oil. But these are optional.
- Serve a large ladleful for every person in a small bowl. Serve chilled and enjoy.
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