Cacik- Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber “Soup”

Cacik (Personal Photo)

I first encountered cacik in the small Turkish restaurants outside the base at Incirlik, Turkey.  It was very popular as a thick, creamy cucumber spread similar to Greek tzatziki.  It was made with thickest yogurt, “without the water”.  We slathered it on fresh, hot pita bread. 

Later I learned that most Turks make cacik more like a cold soup, with regular yogurt.  They dice the cucumbers very small, but I use a box grater. 

Cacik Ingredients

1 large pickling cucumber

3 cups yogurt

2-4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried mint

½ tsp salt

1.  Grate cucumber on box grater.  Place on 6-8 layers of paper towel.  Press with another 4-6 layers of paper towel on top, to absorb most of the water. 

2.  Combine cucumber with yogurt, garlic, mint and salt. 

3.  Refrigerate 1 hour. 

Grated Cucumber draining on paper towel

Personal Photo