I absolutely love this recipe because it’s like a refreshing dip into the Mediterranean with every bite, thanks to the cool cucumbers and aromatic herbs. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up, making it my go-to for entertaining or a quick healthy snack that feels like a little treat-yourself moment.
How refreshing Cacik is, a classic Turkish dish that’s both light and nutritious. Combine 2 cups of creamy plain yogurt with 1 cup of cold water, and you have the perfect complement to the fresh crunch of 2 small cucumbers.
Add minced garlic, fresh dill, and mint, and top with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice, and you have the not-so-secret ingredient to making the dish as delicious as possible. And that’s not even the best part.
This is an incredibly gut-friendly, health-promoting dish. Creamy yogurt coupled with the fresh herbs, slightly zesty lemon juice, and good fats from the olive oil ensure that Cacik delivers a cocktail of probiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants to your system.
Ingredients
Yogurt:
Calcium and probiotics are plentiful, and gut health is supported.
Additionally, there’s creaminess.
Cucumbers:
These are high-water and low-calorie, which provide a fresh, crunchy texture and a rather mild flavor.
Garlic:
Provides a pungent kick and immune boost, and is a rich source of antioxidants.
Dill:
Herb that is rich in flavor and aromatic; enhances the taste of dishes; very high in vitamins A and C.
Mint:
Cleanses the palate, supports digestion, and fosters calmness.
Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for the heart add a richness and smooth texture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 small cucumbers, finely chopped or grated
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a splash of lemon juice
Instructions
1. In a big mixing bowl, use a whisk to blend the unflavored yogurt until it is smooth and creamy.
2. Slowly pour the cold water into the yogurt while stirring constantly. Continue until the mixture is combined to your liking and has the desired consistency for serving.
3. Combine the finely chopped or grated cucumbers, making sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
4. Incorporate the minced garlic into the bowl so that it is well mixed.
5. Incorporate the fresh dill and mint that have been chopped very finely, so that their flavors intermingle nicely within the cacik.
6. Pour the olive oil over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
7. Adjust the salt and black pepper in the cacik to suit your tastes.
8. If you want an extra zing of flavor, you can add lemon juice to the dressing.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the meld together of the flavors to occur.
10. As an invigorating first course or accomplice to the main event, serve verges of the Mediterranean Seas as cool-as-a-cucumber appetizers, and you’ll have an hors d’oeuvre that whets the appetite yet keeps things calm and collected.
Equipment Needed
1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Grater (optional, for cucumbers)
7. Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
8. Garlic press or a knife (for mincing garlic)
9. Refrigerator for chilling
FAQ
- What is the consistency of Cacik?Typically, cacik is a soup-like dish that has a creamy yet light consistency, given that the ingredient base is yogurt and water. You can adjust the water to make it as thick or thin as you like. Cacik is served in a bowl at room temperature, with a smooth, shiny surface that lightly glitters with drops of olive oil. There are a couple of different ways to prepare it, but I’ll present the easier version with fewer steps and ingredients here.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?Absolutely, using Greek yogurt is an option. It will yield a thicker result, so you may need to add extra water to reach your desired consistency.
- What can I use if I don’t have fresh dill or mint?In the absence of fresh herbs, you can use dried dill or mint, but remember to reduce the amount you use, since dried herbs are much stronger.
- Is Cacik served cold?Cacik is served cold, which gives it an edge in being a dish for warm weather.
- Can lemon juice be omitted?Indeed, it is optional. The juice from a lemon can be used to add a touch of tanginess, but the dish is equally delectable without it.
- How should I store leftovers?Keep any remaining food in a container that seals completely in the fridge. It can stay good for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before serving; sometimes minerals in the food cause it to separate.
- What can I serve Cacik with?Cacik complements grilled meats, kebabs, or any Mediterranean meal as a refreshing side dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Unflavored yogurt: For a thicker consistency, substitute with Greek yogurt.
Fresh dill: Substitute with fresh parsley for a different herby flavor.
Use fresh basil in place of mint if mint is not available for a unique twist.
Olive oil: If you need to substitute it, use avocado oil, which is a similar healthy fat option.
Lemon juice: Substitute with white vinegar when a hit of acidity is needed.
Pro Tips
1. Strain the Yogurt: To achieve a thicker, creamier texture, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth or fine sieve for a few hours before starting the recipe. This will remove excess whey and result in a richer cacik.
2. Grate Cucumber Finely: For a smoother texture and to prevent the cacik from becoming too watery, grate the cucumbers rather than chopping them. Once grated, gently squeeze out excess water using your hands or a clean kitchen towel before adding them to the yogurt mixture.
3. Enhance Flavor with Garlic: Let the minced garlic sit in a little bit of olive oil for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the cacik. This will mellow the sharpness of the garlic and enhance its flavor.
4. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cacik to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This not only helps the flavors meld together but also enhances the refreshing quality of the dish.
5. Garnish with Additional Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle a bit more fresh dill and mint on top as a garnish. This will add a burst of color and an extra layer of fresh herb aroma.
Cacik Recipe
My favorite Cacik Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Grater (optional, for cucumbers)
7. Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
8. Garlic press or a knife (for mincing garlic)
9. Refrigerator for chilling
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 small cucumbers, finely chopped or grated
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a splash of lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a big mixing bowl, use a whisk to blend the unflavored yogurt until it is smooth and creamy.
2. Slowly pour the cold water into the yogurt while stirring constantly. Continue until the mixture is combined to your liking and has the desired consistency for serving.
3. Combine the finely chopped or grated cucumbers, making sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
4. Incorporate the minced garlic into the bowl so that it is well mixed.
5. Incorporate the fresh dill and mint that have been chopped very finely, so that their flavors intermingle nicely within the cacik.
6. Pour the olive oil over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
7. Adjust the salt and black pepper in the cacik to suit your tastes.
8. If you want an extra zing of flavor, you can add lemon juice to the dressing.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the meld together of the flavors to occur.
10. As an invigorating first course or accomplice to the main event, serve verges of the Mediterranean Seas as cool-as-a-cucumber appetizers, and you’ll have an hors d’oeuvre that whets the appetite yet keeps things calm and collected.
