Cacik (Turkish Yogurt with Cucumbers)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
4 portion
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Calories
124 kcal
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Turkish
Cacik (Turkish Yogurt with Cucumbers)
Description
Cacik uses strained or Greek yogurt mixed with peeled and grated cucumbers, although leaving the skins on or chopping them finely creates a varied texture. Fresh herbs such as mint and dill, along with dried mint, are added for freshness and herbal notes. Extra virgin olive oil enriches the mixture, and salt balances the flavors.
This preparation offers a cool, creamy consistency with bursts of herbaceous flavor and the slight crunch from cucumbers if chopped finely. The option to thin it with cold water makes it versatile from a dip to a drinkable accompaniment.
Cacik is typically served chilled and garnished with additional herbs and olive oil. It pairs well as a refreshing side or dip alongside grilled or spicy dishes.
To maintain maximum freshness and texture, prepare cacik shortly before serving as the cucumbers release moisture over time, softening the yogurt. Plain natural yogurt is recommended for the best results, and dairy-free yogurt can be substituted for a vegan version.
Ingredients
- 500 g yogurt thick strained or Greek yogurt
- 2 cucumber or 1 large cucumber, small Turkish
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mint finely chopped, fresh
- 1 tablespoon dill finely chopped, fresh
- ½ teaspoon dried mint
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel and grate the cucumbers with the large size of your grater. Alternatively, you can leave the skin or finely chop the cucumber for a crunchier texture.
- Add the fresh herbs and dried mint to the cucumbers.
- Whisk the yogurt, salt, and olive oil together to make a smooth mixture.
- At this stage, if you want your cacik thin, more like a drink consistency, whisk in some cold water
- Add the cucumbers, dried mint, finely chopped fresh herbs to yogurt, and mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Transfer it to individual bowls and garnish it with some fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
- Use plain, natural yogurt to retain authentic flavor; avoid flavored or fruit yogurts.
- Prepare cacik close to serving time to maintain cucumber crunch and prevent yogurt from releasing whey.
- Adjust the consistency by adding cold water to the yogurt before mixing in cucumbers for a thinner texture.
- Finely chopped cucumbers provide a crunchier texture compared to grated ones.
- For a vegan version, substitute with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4portion
Amount Per Serving
Calories 124 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 124kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 194mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 389mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 180IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 163mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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