Authentic Turkish Cacik Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of plain yogurt
1 cucumber, finely diced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped
Salt to taste
Water as needed

Steps and instructions

Peel the cucumber and dice it into small, fine pieces.
Take a bowl and add the finely diced cucumbers to it.
Add minced garlic, fresh mint, and fresh dill to the bowl.
In the same bowl, add the plain yogurt, olive oil, and white vinegar. Mix all the ingredients well.
Add salt according to your taste and mix it again.
If the consistency is too thick, add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition.
Chill the Cacik in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy the Cacik as a cold soup or as a side dish with your main course.

Tools for making

Bowl - A bowl to mix the ingredients together
Knife - A knife to peel and dice the cucumber
Cutting board - A cutting board to safely chop the ingredients
Measuring cups - Measuring cups to measure the ingredients accurately
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to measure the olive oil, vinegar, and salt
Garlic press - A garlic press to mince the garlic cloves

Recipe variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
Replace the plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or paprika for a hint of spiciness.
Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for extra freshness.
Grate and add a small carrot to the mixture for added sweetness and color.
Replace the cucumber with grated zucchini for a unique twist.
Add a teaspoon of ground cumin for a subtle earthy flavor.
For a vegan version, replace the yogurt with coconut milk yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
Experiment with different herbs such as basil, cilantro, or tarragon for varied flavors.
For a crunchier texture, add some finely chopped walnuts or almonds.

Recipe overview

Cacik is a traditional Turkish recipe that can either be served as a refreshing cold soup or as a creamy side dish. This recipe features the crisp, refreshing flavors of cucumber and garlic, balanced by the tangy undertone of yogurt and vinegar. Fresh herbs like mint and dill add a complimenting, aromatic note that boosts the overall taste. It's an easy-to-make recipe that requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. Plus, you can adjust the consistency to your liking by adding water. Once prepared, it's best to chill the Cacik for at least half an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy this delightful dish alongside your main course, or savour it on its own on a warm day.

Common questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt? Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for plain yogurt in this recipe. However, keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount of water accordingly.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs? Yes, you can use dried mint and dill instead of fresh herbs if you don't have them available. However, the flavor may be slightly different, so you might want to use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the Cacik? Absolutely! Cacik can be customized to your taste. Some common additions include finely chopped onions, grated carrots, or even a sprinkle of paprika on top. Feel free to get creative with your additions.
How long can I store Cacik in the refrigerator? Cacik can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, the texture may become slightly watery due to the cucumber's moisture content. Give it a stir before serving if needed.
Can I make Cacik in advance? Yes, it is actually recommended to make Cacik in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. Prepare it a few hours or even a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Knife - To peel and dice the cucumber.
Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the cucumber.
Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the yogurt, olive oil, and vinegar.
Measuring Spoons - To measure the minced garlic, fresh mint, fresh dill, and salt.
Whisk or Spoon - To mix the ingredients together thoroughly.
Refrigerator - To chill the Cacik before serving.

Origin stories

Cacik, a delightful and refreshing dish, hails from the shores of Turkey, a country rich in culinary traditions. It's an integral part of the Turkish Meze, a platter of small plates filled with assorted delicacies. Traditionally served in the hot summer months, Cacik captures the cooling essence of cucumber and yogurt, often complementing the heartier, spicier dishes in Turkish cuisine. Its simplicity belies its age-old origins, with its recipe passed down through generations, a testament to the timeless appeal of this delightful concoction. Interestingly, while Cacik is considered a soup in Turkey, its Greek cousin Tzatziki is seen as a sauce or a dip. Despite minor differences, these two dishes are a beautiful symbol of the shared food traditions across the Aegean Sea.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.