Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (substitute with labneh or sour cream for a different tang)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for extra creaminess; you can omit or replace with extra yogurt for a lighter version)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated (Mama Lou always said, “More garlic, more love!”)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional, but it adds a lovely nutty depth)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cold water (to thin the sauce as needed)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish and freshness)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy, just like Mama Lou used to coax me to get the perfect texture for her tzatziki.
- Add the finely minced garlic to the bowl. If you want a milder garlic flavor, you can sauté the garlic briefly in a teaspoon of olive oil before adding; but fresh and raw is my favorite for that punch.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and tahini. Whisk everything together until the tahini is fully incorporated. I remember Ouma once telling me, “The lemon brightens it up like a sunny afternoon in our backyard.”
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin and coriander. These spices bring a warm earthiness to the sauce that reminds me of the spice markets Mama Lou would visit.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Start with less—you can always add more later.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Finally, fold in the chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The resting time lets the flavors meld together, much like the slow, loving way Mama Lou believed food should be prepared.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International