Turkish-Cypriot Cuisine
North Cyprus  
 


Mezze
Cacik (yogurt, cucumber & mint dip)
  • Preparation time: 10 minutes + chilling
  • Serves: 4

`Cacik' in Turkey, or `Tzatziki' in Greece, this is one of the best known appetisers in either cuisine. Extremely refreshing and fragrant because of the aroma of the mint, it is served with kebabs, or fried slices of courgettes and aubergines; it can also be served with roast chicken, lamb or with meze. Deliciously thick, creamy yogurt, made from sheep's milk accounts for the wonderful texture and flavour of the dish.

   
  Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon wine vinegar
  • 1 clove of garlic, crushed
  • 175 g (6 oz) natural yogurt
  • 5 cm (2-inch) piece of cucumber, diced finely or grated coarsely
  • 3-4 fresh mint leaves, chopped finely, or 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
  • salt
  Preparation
Lightly beat the oil, vinegar and garlic with a fork in a bowl; add the yogurt and beat until smooth and well amalgamated. Add the cucumber, salt and the chopped mint and mix well. Serve chilled.
   
Recipies
     

   
References
 
  • Vegetarian dishes have been marked with sign
  • Albrecht, M. (1994), Turkish Cypriot and Mediterranean Cookery, Havellia Publishing, London.
  • Salaman, R., (1991), The Cooking of Greece and Turkey, Sainsbury Cookbooks, London.
  • Jemal, H., Cyprus Today, various.
  

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