Yogurt Sauce with Cucumber and Dill (Tarator)

Avatar for Mimoza TresovaAuthorMimoza Tresova
Rating5.0DifficultyBeginner

Yogurt Sauce with Cucumber and Dill (Tarator) is a refreshing side dish or appetizer which is very popular in Albania during the summer time. Each Balkan country has different way of making it with almost the same ingredients. In Albania is called Tarator, in Greece the name is Tzatziki and Cacik in Turkey. This recipe is smooth, refreshing and if you love yogurt as I do you are up for something very Mediterranean.

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Yogurt Sauce Dip Cucumber Dill Featured
Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsTotal Time15 mins
 2 cups plain yogurt
 1 medium cucumberunpeeled finely grated, the cucumber has to be seeded before grated
 1 tsp sea salt
 2 tbsp fresh dillchopped
 2 garlic clovespressed or mashed
 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 ¼ cup cold water
 1 tsp white vinegar
1

In a bowl mix cucumbers, garlic, sea salt olive oil and vinegar. In the absence of cucumbers thick sliced fried zucchini can be used along with chopped fried or roasted red peppers with the skin peeled off.

2

Meanwhile in a separate bowl thin the yogurt with cold water not to thin but not to thick. Personally, I like it more on the thicker side. You can also use your own homemade yogurt.

3

At this point pour in the mixture from the first bowl and mix them all together.

4

Serve in small bowls and drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

5

Lastly, garnish with fresh chopped dill. Put in the refrigerator for half an hour to an hour to chill.

6

This can be paired with grilled fish or meats and vegetables. Enjoy!

Ingredients

 2 cups plain yogurt
 1 medium cucumberunpeeled finely grated, the cucumber has to be seeded before grated
 1 tsp sea salt
 2 tbsp fresh dillchopped
 2 garlic clovespressed or mashed
 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 ¼ cup cold water
 1 tsp white vinegar

Directions

1

In a bowl mix cucumbers, garlic, sea salt olive oil and vinegar. In the absence of cucumbers thick sliced fried zucchini can be used along with chopped fried or roasted red peppers with the skin peeled off.

2

Meanwhile in a separate bowl thin the yogurt with cold water not to thin but not to thick. Personally, I like it more on the thicker side. You can also use your own homemade yogurt.

3

At this point pour in the mixture from the first bowl and mix them all together.

4

Serve in small bowls and drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

5

Lastly, garnish with fresh chopped dill. Put in the refrigerator for half an hour to an hour to chill.

6

This can be paired with grilled fish or meats and vegetables. Enjoy!

Notes

Yogurt Sauce with Cucumber and Dill (Tarator)

2 Comments

  1. I would like to try Tarator dip with an Albanian meal for guests. What are some foods to use this dip with other than grilled fish? Any other Albanian appetizer ideas?

    1. The sauce is great with any kind of meat, chicken, pork or lamb. It’s especially great with grilled meats and toasted pita! Also a fried meatballs recipe with this sauce and salad on the side is great. Another great appetizer is cheese plate with olives and orange salad. Small plate with feta cheese and olives drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano on top. Hope you enjoy!

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