Cacık — Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber

Cacık is a cooling Turkish yogurt and cucumber dish served alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, and summer meals. Its consistency ranges from spoonable to lightly soupy.

SERVES 4 | PREP 15 MINUTES | CHILL 20 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups plain full-fat yogurt

• 2 small Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, finely diced

• 1 garlic clove, finely grated

• 2–4 tablespoons cold water, as needed

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

• 1 teaspoon dried mint

• Salt

METHOD

1. Whisk the yogurt, garlic, and salt until smooth.

2. Stir in the finely diced cucumber, dill, and dried mint.

3. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time until lightly spoonable.

4. Chill for 20 minutes.

5. Drizzle with olive oil and finish with a pinch of mint.

SERVING NOTE

Cacık is usually served cold as a side dish, especially with kebabs, köfte, pilav, or vegetable dishes. It is related to—but generally looser than—Greek tzatziki.

WATCH

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=traditional+Turkish+cacik+recipe