If you’ve had a gyro, you know the magical sauce known as tzatziki.  This yogurt based sauce is common in Greek cuisine, often being served with grilled meats.  It can also be used as a dip.  Tzatziki sauce is one of my favorite condiments, and not just because it was a topic of conversation during me and Erik’s second date.  I just find it super yummy.  Luckily it is super easy to make at home.  This is good news, since, while delicious, Greek food does tend to be on the more expensive side.

It may not photograph well, but it certainly tastes good.

Tzatziki Sauce:

• ½ of a medium cucumber
• 1 5.3 oz container plain greek yogurt
• 1 -2 cloves of garlic, minced
• ¼ -1/2 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. lemon juice

Using a grater, shred the cucumber.  You can peel the cucumber first or leave the rind on.  I usually leave it on, but really it’s up to you.  In a medium bowl combine the cucumber, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and salt.  Start with ¼ tsp. salt and taste.  Add more as needed.  You can use it immediately, but it’s a bit better if you can let it sit in the fridge for an hour or so first.  This allows all the ingredients to meld together better.  Kept in an airtight container it should keep for about a week.

Note: It’s really important that you use plain yogurt.  Even if you use just vanilla it will give your tzatziki sauce a strange flavor.

What can you use your tzatziki sauce on?  Gyros, obviously, but it’ll be yummy on pretty much any flatbread sandwich.  Something about the flavors of tzatziki sauce and pita bread just mixes together super well.  You can also use it on Greek inspired pizzas.  You could even use it as a dipping sauce for French fries if you so desire.