Cacik
Discover this authentic Turkish Cacik recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's moderately challenging but rewarding. Made with natural yoghurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and 3 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 4 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this turkish classic is sure to impress.
20
Prep Time (min)
30
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
200
Calories/serving
Medium
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 500 g Natural Yoghurt
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Dried Mint
- 1 Cucumber
- 2 cloves minced Garlic
Instructions
4 steps · ~38 minutes total
Step 1
Put a sieve over a large bowl, line it with a thick sheet of non-dyed kitchen paper or a clean muslin cloth, and spoon in the yogurt. Cover with another sheet of kitchen paper and leave to strain in the fridge for a minimum of 12 hrs.
10 minutesSave some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.Step 2
Add the lemon juice, most of the olive oil and the dried mint to a bowl and stir well for the dried mint to soften and soak up the juices. Mix in the strained yogurt, then pour away the strained yogurt liquid and leave that bowl to one side.
8 minutesSave some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.Step 3
Halve the cucumber(s) lengthways and remove the seeds by running a teaspoon from the top to the bottom of the flesh, halve the cucumbers widthways to make them shorter and easier to handle, then coarsely grate each one into the bowl the yogurt was straining over. Using clean hands (or a clean muslin cloth), squeeze as much of the liquid out of the cucumber as possible.
10 minutesSave some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.Step 4
Add the strained, grated cucumber, garlic and ¾ tsp flaky salt to the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of dried mint.
10 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your turkish meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Cacik is a beloved dish from Turkish cuisine, originating in Turkey. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Turkish cuisine is a fascinating blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. It's considered one of the three great cuisines in the world alongside French and Chinese.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 6 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cacik is a traditional Turkish dish made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. It is typically served as a refreshing side dish or appetizer, often accompanied by bread or pita.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
