Tzatziki

Instructions

1. Peel the cucumber, halve it and scoop out the seeds. Chop or grate the cucumber, salt it, and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes. Afterwards, strain the liquid.
Pulse the cucumbers in the food processor or hand chop to desired texture. I like them chopped small, but not minced. Bigger chunks will result in chunkier tzatziki. It’s a matter of preference.
2. Cut out an 18-inch rectangle of cheesecloth and fold into two layers. Place chopped cucumbers in the center of the double-layered cloth. Gather up the cheesecloth and twist at the top to form a bundle. Squeeze the bundle several times over the sink, twisting the bundle tightly to get rid of as much liquid as possible. If you don't have cheesecloth, use a thin dishtowel instead.
3. Place strained yogurt in a medium mixing bowl.
4. Add the drained cucumber pieces from the cheesecloth to the bowl along with the olive oil, chopped fresh mint or dill, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Use a fork or whisk to blend the ingredients together.
6. Taste the Tzatziki; add more garlic, lemon juice, or salt to taste if desired.
7. Serve cold. Store in the refrigerator.