I'm thrilled to share with you a recipe that's not only a staple in Mediterranean food but also a burst of freshness that can elevate any dish to the next level. We're diving into the world of Tzatziki Sauce, but with a twist – we're using the rich and velvety goodness of sour cream to create a new version of this classic.
Why you will love this recipe
With the lusciousness of sour cream and the vibrant flavors of dill, lemon, and cucumber, this sauce adds a touch of Mediterranean magic to any dish.
Fresh dill is the secret ingredient that transforms this cucumber sauce from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Tzatziki with sour cream isn't just a creamy sauce; it's a multitasking maestro. Slather it on sandwiches, dip your pita bread, drizzle it over grilled meats, or toss it with your salads. It's a chameleon that effortlessly adapts and elevates every dish it accompanies.
No need to be a culinary maestro to whip up this easy recipe. With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can create a sour cream sauce that tastes like it took hours to perfect.
You can serve this sauce with this Falafel platter with tahini sauce and tzatziki
The ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients to make this Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream.
Sour Cream: It's velvety texture and tangy profile create a luxurious base that holds all the flavors together. Opt for a high-quality sour cream to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth consistency to create a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill introduces an aromatic, slightly sweet note that perfectly complements the creaminess. Its feathery leaves bring a burst of flavor and a visual delight to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste and aroma.
Fresh Garlic: For a deeper, smokier undertone, try adding roasted garlic. Roast a few cloves until they're soft and fragrant, then mash them and fold them into your sauce
Lemon Juice: The zesty superstar that brightens up every spoonful! Lemon juice adds a tangy, refreshing kick that balances the creaminess. A little squeeze goes a long way in bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
Lemon Zest (optional)
English Cucumber: It adds a cool, refreshing crunch to the sauce. The cucumber also brings a hint of natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the lemon and sour cream.
Salt and black Pepper
How to make the Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream; Step by Step
With the help of a box grater, start off by shredding the cucumber. You want to remove excess liquid, so give it a gentle squeeze or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel l and press lightly to remove as much water as you can. This step ensures your sauce stays thick.
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, freshly chopped dill, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and that lemon zest.
Gently fold in your shredded cucumber into the mixture.
Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, seasoning is a personal affair, so feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences. Mix everything together.
Let your tzatziki sauce rest in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to mingle.
Grab some pita bread, veggies, or even use it as a delightful dressing for salads.
With the lusciousness of sour cream and the vibrant flavors of dill, lemon, and cucumber, this sauce adds a touch of Mediterranean magic to any dish.
Variations
Swap out the dill for fresh mint leaves. Mint brings a cool, refreshing twist that's perfect for those scorching summer days.
Craving a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers.
Enhance the sauce's texture and flavor with a handful of finely chopped nuts, like toasted almonds or walnuts. The nutty crunch brings an unexpected twist that transforms every bite.
Substitutions
Replace the sour cream with plain full-fat Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for a tangy twist. Greek yogurt adds a slightly different texture and a healthy dose of protein.
To replace dill try fresh herbs like fresh parsley, cilantro, or even tarragon for a unique flavor profile that resonates with your taste buds.
Limes and oranges can also bring a citrusy zing to your sauce. Experiment with their juices and zest to create a whole new dimension of flavors.
Switch out olive oil for a different oil you enjoy, such as avocado oil or walnut oil. The choice of oil can subtly alter the overall flavor profile.
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, opt for coconut yogurt or a non-dairy alternative like almond or cashew yogurt instead of sour cream.
Storage
Refrigeration:
Once you've prepared your Greek Tzatziki Sauce, transfer it into an airtight container.. Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
Shelf Life:
Your tzatziki dip can typically be refrigerated for about 3 to 5 days. However, the flavors may intensify over time, so be prepared for a stronger dill and garlic profile as the days go by.
Stirring Before Use:
When you're ready to use the sauce again, give it a good stir. Over time, the ingredients might naturally separate a bit, so stirring will help reincorporate everything and restore that creamy consistency.
You can not freeze the tzatziki sauce
Tips
When shredding the cucumber, for best results make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery and maintains that luscious creamy texture.
Give your sour creamy dip some extra time. Let your sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before diving in. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
FAQ
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
While fresh dill is preferred for its vibrant flavor, you can use dried dill as a substitute. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about ⅓ of the amount specified for fresh dill.
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for its bright and zesty flavor. However, if you're in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. Just remember that the flavor might be slightly different.
Can I make this sauce in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Tzatziki Sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.
If your sauce is too thin, you can add a little more sour cream or Greek yogurt to achieve your desired consistency.
Yes, a food processor can be used in this simple recipe to blend the ingredients together. However, be cautious not to over-blend, as it can make the sauce too thin. Pulse the ingredients until they're combined with a slightly chunky texture.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular fresh cucumbers, but English cucumbers are often preferred because they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor. If using regular cucumbers, consider removing the seeds to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
Mediterranean Recipes
Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sour cream full fat
- ¼ cup fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed, if possible
- 1 teaspoon lemon Zest
- 1 cup grated cucumber squeeze out excess water
- 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Oepper freshly ground is best
Instructions
- With the help of a box grater, start off by shredding the cucumber. You want to remove excess liquid, so give it a gentle squeeze or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel l and press lightly to remove as much water as you can. This step ensures your sauce stays thick.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, freshly chopped dill, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and that lemon zest.
- Gently fold in your shredded cucumber into the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, seasoning is a personal affair, so feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences. Mix everything together
- Let your tzatziki sauce rest in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to mingle.
- Grab some pita bread, veggies, or even use it as a delightful dressing for salads.
- With the lusciousness of sour cream and the vibrant flavors of dill, lemon, and cucumber, this sauce adds a touch of Mediterranean magic to any dish.
Notes
- When shredding the cucumber, for best results make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery and maintains that luscious creamy texture.
- Give your sour creamy dip some extra time. Let your sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before diving in. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
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