North African Tzatziki

Ingredients

In this North African adaptation of Tzatziki, we incorporate spices commonly used in North African cuisine, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, to infuse the dip with warm and earthy flavors. Additionally, we add fresh mint and cilantro to enhance the herbal notes and create a unique taste profile that is distinct from the traditional Greek version. We alse have the original recipe for Tzatziki, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) Greek yogurt 2 cups (470ml) Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh mint, fresh cilantro, and lemon juice.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and salt to the bowl. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Before serving, give the dip a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread or as a sauce for grilled meats.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Greek yogurt — Use thick Greek yogurt for a creamy and rich texture in the dip.
• Cucumber — Make sure to grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dip.
• Fresh herbs — Chop the fresh mint and cilantro finely to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste of the dip.
• Lemon juice — Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright and zesty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dip.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the dip in a food processor or blender for a few seconds.
• Customize the dip by adding diced tomatoes, chopped olives, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve the North African Tzatziki alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a refreshing dip for vegetable crudités.
• Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the North African Tzatziki chilled in a bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and a sprig of fresh mint. Accompany it with warm pita bread, crispy vegetable sticks, or as a sauce for grilled kebabs.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, serve the North African Tzatziki in a hollowed-out cucumber boat or a colorful ceramic dish. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika on top for an extra touch of elegance.