Talattouri (Cypriot Cucumber, Garlic and Mint Yogurt Dip)
Local name: Ταλαττούρι
In short: A cool Cypriot meze dip of thick yogurt, cucumber, garlic and dried mint, served with grilled meats, pita and as a sauce for souvlakia. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 90 kcal
Talattouri is the cooling dip on every Cypriot meze table, and it is nearly always served with grilled meat. Yogurt, cucumber, garlic and dried mint are all it takes, with a little olive oil on top. The mint is traditionally dried, which gives the dip a warmer, deeper flavor than fresh. Salt the cucumber and drain it well, so the dip stays thick enough to scoop. It keeps for two days in the fridge.
Instructions
- Grate or finely dice the cucumber, toss it with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and leave it in a sieve for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as you can with your hands or in a clean towel.
- Stir the yogurt, garlic, 1 tablespoon of mint, lemon juice, the remaining salt and the pepper together in a bowl. Fold in the cucumber.
- Taste and adjust the garlic and salt. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Spoon the dip into a shallow bowl, drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of mint. Serve with grilled meat, pita or raw vegetables.
Tips
- Squeeze the cucumber hard. Extra water thins the dip and dilutes the flavor.
- Use thick Greek-style yogurt. If yours is thin, strain it through a clean cloth for an hour first.
Questions and answers
How long does talattouri keep?
Up to 2 days in the fridge, covered. It will release a little water, so stir it before serving.
Is talattouri the same as tzatziki?
The two are close relatives. Cypriot talattouri is typically flavored with dried mint, and the texture can be a little looser.
Can I freeze talattouri?
No. Freezing makes the yogurt and cucumber watery and grainy. Make it fresh and eat it within 2 days.
How long does it take to make Talattouri (Cypriot Cucumber, Garlic and Mint Yogurt Dip)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Talattouri (Cypriot Cucumber, Garlic and Mint Yogurt Dip)?
About 90 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 90 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
