Tzatziki Cucumber Dipping Sauce

Greek sauce/dip/salad dressing. Serve with vegies,Pitas,or with spicy dishes.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 6 cups

Ingredients

• 4  cups plain yogurt, regular
• 3  large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
•  salt
• 3  garlic cloves (or more to taste)
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
•  fresh ground pepper (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup  freshly chopped mint leaf (or to taste) (optional)

Directions

1. Line a sieve with a double thickness of dampened cheesecloth.
2. Spoon in yogurt and set the sieve over a bowl.
3. Refrigerate for two to three hours or until yogurt is about half its volume, nicely thick and creamy.
4. Shred or cut cucumber into julienne strips.
5. Place in a colander in sink or over a bowl, sprinkle generously with salt, mix well and let drain for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
6. Rinse and gently pat dry.
7. In a mortor and pestal muddle the garlic into a bit salt.
8. Add to the thickened yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, and if desired, the pepper and mint.
9. Mix well.
10. Serve or refrigerate for a day or two so flavors mingle.
11. Stir again before serving and sprinkle with additional minced mint leaves if desired.