Cacık (Cacık)
Overview
Cacık is a cold Turkish dish of yogurt, cucumber and garlic, thinned with cold water to a soupy consistency when served alongside a meal. Grated or finely chopped cucumber is mixed into whisked yogurt with crushed garlic and salt, then flavoured with dried mint or fresh dill and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. It is spooned from small bowls next to pilaf, grilled meat, beans or stuffed vegetables, and on hot days it is refreshing on its own. Thicker versions are served as a meze.
Pictures
History
Yogurt-based cold dishes have a long history in Turkish and Central Asian cooking, and cacık is one of the most familiar. It is closely related to Greek tzatziki and Bulgarian tarator, reflecting shared Ottoman food traditions in the region. In Turkey it remains a summer staple in homes and kebab restaurants. It is commonly served with meat dishes, pilaf and beans, and at picnics and summer family meals across the country.
Main ingredients
Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dried mint, olive oil, water. The soup is built on diluted yogurt and is usually served cold. Diet: vegetarian; usually gluten-free.
Recipe outline serves 4 · ~10 min
Ingredients
- 500 g plain yogurt
- 2 cucumbers, grated or diced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 200 ml cold water
- dried mint or dill
- olive oil, salt
Allergens: Contains: Milk. Based on the typical recipe. Recipes and products vary; always check labels if you have an allergy.
Method
- Whisk the yogurt with garlic and salt.
- Stir in the cucumber.
- Thin with cold water to the consistency you like.
- Chill and serve with mint and olive oil.
Sources
Description, history and recipe written by SoupWiki and checked against the sources above. Calories and times are rough estimates.