Americans love condiments: mustard on hotdogs; catsup on French fries; mayo on BLTs; soy sauce on stir fry; and hot sauce on just about anything.  Here’s one you can make easily at home, is low in calories and fat and adds tons of flavor.

The Greeks call it: Tzatziki Sauce, (one of its many pronunciations is “Za-DZEE-kee”).  In India it’s called Raita.  If none of those words trip off your tongue just call it a Cucumber Yogurt Sauce.

 

 

 

 

Now I don’t care that much for cucumbers, unless they’re pickled, but I forget all that when I eat Tzatziki.  You probably remember it as that creamy sauce that comes with a gyro sandwich.  It’s also great with grilled meats, salmon, lamb, kabobs, meatballs, veggie burgers, chickpea patties and as a raw veggie dip.

Basically, it’s made of Greek yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, green onions, garlic, salt, dill, mint or parsley.  It is always served cold.

This classic Greek sauce has as many version as there are cooks, but here’s the one that I’ve found the easiest and tastiest.  Don’t settle for bottled condiments when there’s so much more gusto to be had with this simple, healthy sauce.

Tzatziki Sauce (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)

Directions: (Serves 4)

• ½ cucumber, sliced vertically, seeded and grated
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 6 Tbs. Greek yogurt
• 1 green onion, white and green parts, chopped fine
• 1 Tbs. chopped parsley (or dill, or mint or cilantro)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Use medium size grate on cucumber.  Place the grated cucumber in a colander in the sink and sprinkle with a little salt. Let drain for 10 minutes. (I never bother to do this; I just squeeze the grated cucumber with a paper towel to keep sauce from being too runny.)

Remove cucumber to bowl and stir in the remaining sauce ingredients.  Refrigerate for 2 hours to let flavors blend.  Makes about 1 cup.  Double recipe, if desired.