(I serve this with Kabab veggies and chicken on Flat Bread. Seriously, HOLY MAMA!! This is good! I want some NOW!! With Greek rice, and hummus. My mouth is watering!)
2 (8 ounce) Greek Yogurt (or plain yogurt, strained)--much more work)
2 cucumbers, grated and drained very well
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
3 cloves garlic, peeled
In a food processor or blender, combine yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill and garlic. Process until well-combined. Transfer to a separate dish, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour for best flavor.
Keep in mind that it is important to get as much of the juice out of the cucumber as possible.
******Straining Yogurt instructions******
Time Required: 2-3 hours or overnight
Here's How:
1.Line a medium-large bowl with a piece of cheesecloth or a clean white dish towel.
2.Dump a container of plain (unflavored), yogurt into the center of the cloth.
3.Bring the four corners of the cloth together and lift the yogurt.
4.Over the bowl or sink, twist the corners to squeeze out the liquid (it will drain through the cloth).
5.Continue squeezing, putting the yogurt under pressure, to force the liquid out.
6.When the majority of the surface liquid has been drained, it will start to drip more slowly. Tie off the top of the cloth just above the mass of yogurt with string.
7.Place the cloth containing the yogurt in a strainer or colander, and place the strainer or colander in a bowl where it doesn't touch the bottom (so that the liquid can continue to drain).
8.Place the bowl containing the strainer/colander in the refrigerator and allow to drain for 2-3 hours.
9.After draining, take the cloth containing the yogurt and put it in the sink (do not remove the string).
10.Place the palms of your hands on the bag and press down to force out any remaining liquid.
11.Remove the string, open the cloth, and using a spatula, put the yogurt in a bowl for use.
Tips:
1.Straining will reduce the volume of yougurt by half, perhaps more, so plan accordingly. One quart of low-fat yogurt (4 cups) will yield 2 cups or slightly less of strained yogurt.
2.Using fat-free yogurt will reduce the quantity a little more, and it will not be quite as thick as using full-fat or low-fat yogurt, but it is a reasonable option for low fat diets.
3.For vegans: Buy or make soy yogurt and strain as above.
thanks for posting this. i have never tried it before, but heard it is SUPER good. do you have a good recipe/marinade for greek souvlaki? (not sure how to spell it). that sounds soo good. I found a recipe for the bread wraps that looks awesome, so if ya need that--i'll trade ya! :)
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