Tzatziki Mexicano

Name: Tzatziki Mexicano
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt, drained (Greek yogurt is best if you can find it); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 jalapenos (seeded if you wish) or 1/2 serrano pepper, finely minced (seeded if you wish); 2 teaspoons fresh Mexican oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced (NOT dried); 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, minced (NOT dried); 1/2-2/3 cup cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, seeded and diced small (read *NOTE); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne; 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced; olive oil; cumin; fresh cilantro

Submitted by COOKGIRl

"¡Opa AND Ole! The most difficult aspect for me in creating this recipe was determining whether tzatziki is male or female. If you are inclined to add a wee drop o' tequila (er, say one teaspoon?) to the tzatziki, I won't discourage you..."

Download

photo by Emren

Ready In:: 10mins
Ingredients:: 14
Yields:: 1 1/2 cups

ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt, drained (Greek yogurt is best if you can find it)
1 tablespoon lime juice
¹⁄₂ jalapenos (seeded if you wish) or 1/2 serrano pepper, finely minced (seeded if you wish)
2 teaspoons fresh Mexican oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
¹⁄₄ teaspoon cumin powder
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced (NOT dried)
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, minced (NOT dried)
¹⁄₂ - ²⁄₃ cup cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, seeded and diced small (read *NOTE)
¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
Garnish
olive oil
cumin
fresh cilantro

directions

*NOTE: If using organic or garden cucumbers, peel in a "stripe" pattern. If using waxed, store bought cucumbers, peel off all the skin.
Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate from 1-3 hours.
Taste and adjust seasonings. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil around the edges, sprinkle a bit of ground cumin on top and garnish with fresh cilantro sprig.

Questions & Replies

Got a question? Share it with the community!

Reviews

terrific take on an old fave. yamas! and salut!

themick99
I think this would be five stars but my lime was sour. I used thick yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice from one of those non juicy limes from the regular grocer, I omitted the fresh hot pepper out of preference, use regular oregano (not sure where it is from), sea salt to taste, Lebanese cucumbers, plus the rest of the ingredients including the cayenne pepper powder. Made for Veggie Swap #46 ~ May 2012 ~

UmmBinat
I was hesitant to make this recipe because the thought of peeling and seeding a cucumber seemed very difficult. I was surprised to find that it wasn't difficult at all and it tastes great!

Emren
Loved it! Very refreshing. Made as directed for the Unrulies Under the Influence, ZWT6. Thanks, Cookgirl!

mersaydees
Wow is right! This stuff is incredibly good. Was it wrong of me to eat it straight from the bowl without accompaniment? I did add it to some fajitas too and it was wonderful. Great flavors!

iris5555