Cacık

Cacık is a classic Turkish yoghurt dish that is especially eaten on warm days. It is fresh, light and cooling, and is traditionally served cold as a side dish with grilled meat or as a simple accompaniment to bread.

Serves: 4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 500 g full-fat yoghurt
• 1 cucumber
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 100–150 ml cold water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh mint leaves (to garnish)

Preparation

1. Coarsely grate the cucumber. Peeling is not necessary.
2. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the cucumber or let it drain in a sieve.
3. Peel the garlic and finely chop it.

Method

1. Put the yoghurt in a bowl and stir smooth with the cold water to a lightly pourable consistency.
2. Add the garlic, grated cucumber, dried mint and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and a pinch of black pepper.
4. Chill the cacık in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make it properly cold.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.