Cacik
This vibrant Turkish Cacik is a wonderfully refreshing and creamy yogurt dip, perfect for cooling down on a warm day or balancing rich, spicy dishes. Featuring crisp cucumber, pungent garlic, and fragrant fresh herbs like dill and mint, it's a simple yet incredibly flavorful side that comes together in minutes.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 119 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1 pcscucumber, grated or finely diced
- 500 gplain yogurt, full-fat or Greek style
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 2 tbspfresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbspfresh mint, chopped
- 60 mlwater, cold(optional)
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper
garnish
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 0.5 tspdried mint(optional)
Equipment
Box grater · Clean kitchen towel · Mixing bowl · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Spoon · Whisk (optional) · Measuring spoons · Plastic wrap
The method
Step by step
- 1
Wash and peel the cucumber, then grate it using the large holes of a box grater or finely dice it into small, uniform pieces.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: For a smoother texture, grating is ideal. If dicing, aim for pieces no larger than 1/8 inch for optimal flavor distribution.
- 2
Place the grated or diced cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and gently squeeze out any excess water.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: This crucial step prevents the cacik from becoming watery and ensures a thick, creamy consistency. You should see a significant amount of liquid removed.
- 3
Finely mince the garlic cloves using a garlic press or a sharp chef's knife.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: For a milder garlic flavor, you can grate the garlic instead of mincing.
- 4
Chop the fresh dill and fresh mint leaves very finely.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Using fresh herbs is essential for the bright, aromatic flavor of cacik. Avoid dried herbs for this step.
- 5
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, prepared cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh mint.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure your yogurt is plain and unsweetened. Greek yogurt can be used for an even thicker consistency, but may require more water.
- 6
Add the salt and black pepper to the yogurt mixture.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Start with the recommended amount and taste before adding more. The salt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 7
Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and the mixture is uniform.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Use a spoon or whisk to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the yogurt.
- 8
If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until your desired thickness is reached.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Add water slowly, as it's easier to thin out cacik than to thicken it. The consistency should be pourable but still creamy.
- 9
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the cacik to chill thoroughly.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Chilling is vital; it not only enhances the refreshing quality but also allows the garlic and herbs to infuse the yogurt more deeply.
- 10
Before serving, give the cacik a final stir.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: If it has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add another splash of cold water.
- 11
Drizzle the top of the cacik with olive oil and sprinkle with dried mint for garnish.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: The olive oil adds a lovely richness and sheen, while the dried mint provides an additional layer of aromatic flavor.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 118.5kcal
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbs
- 8.7g
- Fat
- 7.6g
- Fibre
- 0.5g
- Sugar
- 6.7g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Cacik is incredibly versatile! Serve it alongside grilled meats like kebabs, as a dip for warm pita bread, or as a refreshing counterpoint to spicy stews. For an extra touch, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil drizzle. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine or a refreshing glass of ayran (a traditional Turkish yogurt drink).
Store leftover cacik in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving again.
Cacik is served chilled and does not require reheating. If it has thickened in the refrigerator, stir in a tablespoon or two of cold water to restore its desired consistency.
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