Mediterranean > Turkey > Appetizer

Cacık with Mint and Garlic Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Serving bowl

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt and cold water until smooth.
2. Add the chopped mint leaves, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the cacık and give it a quick stir.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. When ready to serve, give the cacık a quick stir and transfer it to a serving bowl.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
5. Temperature:
Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 109
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 347mg
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
- If you don't have fresh mint, you can use dried mint instead.
- You can use minced shallots instead of garlic.

Variations:
- Add diced cucumbers to the cacık for a refreshing crunch.
- Use lemon juice instead of olive oil for a tangier flavor.
- Add a pinch of cumin or paprika for a smoky flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use cold water to thin out the yogurt. This will help keep the cacık cool and refreshing.
- Use fresh mint for the best flavor.
- If you don't like the taste of raw garlic, you can sauté it in a little bit of olive oil before adding it to the cacık.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover cacık in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Cacık is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the cacık in a shallow bowl and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Diced cucumbers
- Paprika

Pairings:
- Pita bread
- Grilled chicken
- Lamb kebabs

Suggested side dishes:
- Tabouli salad
- Hummus
- Baba ghanoush

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cacık is too thick, add a little bit more cold water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the cacık is too thin, add a little bit more yogurt.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the cacık until ready to serve.
- Do not leave the cacık out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
Cacık is a traditional Turkish dish that is typically served as a side dish or dip. It is made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic and is often served with grilled meats.

Flavor profiles:
Cacık is cool, refreshing, and tangy with a hint of garlic and mint.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cacık as a side dish or dip with pita bread or grilled meats.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Tangy, Herbal, Garlicky, Refreshing