Description
This recipe takes a traditional tzatziki base and adds a vibrant twist with a smoky, sweet red pepper puree. The combination of cool, creamy yogurt and charred pepper makes it a stunning addition to any table and pairs well with grilled meats or appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g full-fat Greek yogurt, strained
- 1 large English cucumber, grated
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 15 g fresh mint leaves
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus 1 tsp more
- 1 tsp sea salt, plus a pinch more
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumber: Grate the cucumber and place it in a fine-mesh sieve with a pinch of salt. Let drain for 15–20 minutes, then squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture.
- Char Bell Pepper: Broil the whole red pepper for 15–20 minutes, turning until charred on all sides. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and steam for 10–15 minutes to loosen skin.
- Make Puree: Peel the steamed pepper, remove seeds and stem. Blend the flesh with mint leaves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and optional sugar until smooth. Season to taste.
- Assemble Tzatziki Base: Combine the strained Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, chopped dill, and salt in a bowl. Mix gently.
- Create Swirl: Spoon the red pepper puree over the tzatziki base. Gently swirl with a spoon or skewer to create red ribbons; avoid overmixing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and thicken. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
For a thick, non-watery sauce, strain the Greek yogurt and squeeze excess liquid from the cucumber thoroughly. To mellow strong garlic, soak minced garlic in lemon juice for 10 minutes before adding. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; freezing is not recommended.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: tzatziki, greek yogurt, red pepper, dip, sauce, appetizer, vegetarian, mediterranean, healthy