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What Does Tzatziki Sauce Taste Like?

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Have you seen Tzatziki Sauce and are not sure whether you would like it? Should you buy some or add some to your food? And if so, what does it pair well with? Well, here is what you can expect.

So, what does tzatziki sauce taste like? Tzatziki is a mild, mellow, and subtle sauce. It is relatively creamy, with a slight taste of lemon and cucumber. It does not drastically change the flavor of the food that it is paired with although does provide light refreshment and can help to balance out any spices or stronger flavors.

Chances are you still have some questions – I get it.

You want to be sure.

Let’s get into them!

What Does Tzatziki Sauce Contain

Tzatziki Sauce is traditionally made from strained Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil. However, different brands and recipes may include other ingredients too. Sometimes, vinegar, lemon, dill, mint, thyme, parsley, or other herbs are used.

The ingredients used depend primarily on the recipe you are following or the brand you are purchasing.

It’s not just the ingredients that can range – the quantities of each ingredient can differ too.

The result is a slightly differently tasting Tzatziki Sauce.

Nevertheless, greek yogurt, cucumbers and garlic should be expected as standard.

Is Tzatziki Sauce Bitter?

Tzatziki sauce should not taste bitter. Although bitterness can occur if the ratio of ingredients is off, or depending on the quality and type of ingredients used – mostly the cucumbers and olive oil.

For instance, cucumbers are often the culprit when it comes to bitter Tzatziki sauce.

Cucumbers that are inherently bitter (depending on their variety), made bitter by the weather and/or growing conditions, or are too old.

Then there are the olives used in the olive oil component of the sauce.

Olives do naturally taste butter, although some olive oils are more bitter than others.

Lastly, we have the way the sauce is prepared.

Using a food processor, or blender, to emulsify the sauce (bringing all the ingredients together) can cause bitterness due to its effect on the olive oil.

Whisking by hand is one such option to reduce bitterness.

So as you can see, Tzatziki sauce can taste bitter.

Although, it generally shouldn’t.

And there are ways to avoid it.

Ingredient sourcing and preparing differently being the main two ways.

That is if you are making your Tzatziki from scratch.

What Does Tzatziki Sauce Go With?

Tzatziki Sauce goes best with grilled meats (chicken, lamb, beef, pork), vegetables, pitta bread, and some cheeses, primarily Feta.

Although, Tzatziki is very versatile and can be used in various ways and for various dishes.

In fact, it is used across many Greek dishes – whether they be afternoon snacks or evening meals.

Here are some of the best ways to use this popular southeast European and middle eastern sauce:

  • Gyros (Kebab) – often comrpised of chicken or lamb, this pitta based ‘sandwich’ also typically include onions, lettuce and tomatoes.
  • Souvlaki – grileld skewered meat.
  • Meatballs,
  • Fish, particuarly white fish.
  • Falafel,
  • Potato, baked or mashed,
  • Salad Dressing
  • Dips for raw vegetables (e.g. carrots, peppers), chips, or fries.

As you can see, the foods it pairs with range quite dramatically.

So give some of these a try and see what you think.

But if this is the first time you are trying it – use it as a dip first and foremost!

That way you can see if you like it before exposing your entire meal to it!

Finally

Tzatziki is a creamy, light, refreshing sauce with its basis in strained greek yogurt.

It is almost exclusively served cold, where it tastes best, and for the ultimate taste satisfaction, it is best made fresh.

Thankfully, it is easy to make yourself at home. Or thicken, should you get it wrong.

It doesn’t take many ingredients, they are easy and cheap to buy, and you can alter the sauce to meet your preferences and needs.

For instance, you can add more garlic for a kick, more lemon juice for tartness, or more herbs for refreshment.

Either way, give it a try – you’ll most likely enjoy it!

And if you don’t – either adjust the recipe or opt for another sauce next time!


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