Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a wonderful dip or sauce that is delicious and refreshingly cooling. Tzatziki is Greek in origin. It can be served with fresh vegetables for dipping, used as a dip for spanakopita, as a dip for crackers or with chicken. The zucchinis are ready in the garden, and I discovered the young ones are perfect with this dip. Right now, the dill and mint are ready in the garden. Our cucumbers did not do well this year, but there are many great ones in season now at the grocery store. The cucumber in this recipe makes it a very cooling food and it complements spicy foods very well.

Yogurt is the base for this dip. Yogurt adds beneficial probiotics to this dip and Greek yogurt is a good source of body building protein and calcium. Garlic contain sulfur compounds that work to detox our bodies by binding to heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium and then escorting them out of the body. Herbs are known to be full of beneficial nutrition. Mint is anti bacterial and ant fungal, and well as a source of anti-oxidants that help to fight inflammation in the body. Mint is also known to freshen breath, promote clear thinking and mental focus. Mint is known to boost digestion naturally, helping to prevent heartburn. Dill also is an aid to natural digestion. Dill contains an array of vitamins and nutrients, as well as being antibacterial and anti fungal. As you can see, every ingredient in this recipe has its own unique health benefits. Tzatziki makes a great addition to your summer “no cook” recipe collection. This dip can be thinned with milk or cream for a salad dressing as well.

Tzatziki

1 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 English cucumber

2 gloves garlic, pressed or finely

chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint

(optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

(optional)

Grate the cucumber, and with clean hands squeeze out all of the liquid from the cucumber. Stir all the remaining ingredients together. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more for the flavors to blend.