Tzatziki Sauce

Mediterranean Dinner (Kofta & Vegetables) with Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce goes great with all sorts of Mediterranean dishes as well as fish filets, chicken and other grilled meats and vegetables. Pictured above with Kofta meatballs and fresh vegetables, this makes for a delicious dinner. Tzatziki sauce is healthy as well made with plain Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 English cucumber, partially peeled (striped) and sliced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled, finely grated or minced (you can use less if you prefer)
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Early Harvest  Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cups Greek yogurt (I used organic fat free Greek yogurt, but you can use 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt, if you like)
  • 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
  • Warm pita bread for serving
  • Sliced vegetables for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the cucumber. In a food processor, grate the cucumbers. Toss with 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer over a deep bowl to drain. Spoon the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth or a double thickness napkin and squeeze dry. Set aside briefly.
  2. In one large mixing bowl, place the garlic with remaining 1/2 tsp salt, white vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix to combine.
  3. Combine and chill. Add the grated cucumber to the large bowl with the garlic mixture. Stir in the yogurt and white pepper. Combine thoroughly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
  4. When ready to serve, stir the tzatziki sauce to refresh and transfer to serving bowl, drizzle with more extra virgin olive oil, if you like. Add a side of warm pita bread and your favorite vegetables. (Also see notes for more ideas.) Enjoy!

Mediterranean Dinner (Grilled Kofta & Vegetables) with Tzatziki

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce

The Lamb Kofta is made with ground lamb and fresh herbs and spices and is traditionally from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions.  It can be prepared as meatballs, meatloaf and sausages.  I am preparing it as a sausage for grilling, which gives an awesome char flavor to the lamb. Served with a fresh Tzatziki Sauce and Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (I’ll post these recipes soon) makes for a flavorful Mediterranean meal.

Lamb Kofta Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 3 cloves of fresh garlic, crushed and chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. white onion, grated
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. of ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped Parsley
  • Fresh onions, peppers and tomatoes (optional)
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water (optional)

Preparation & Cooking:

  • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl (I use my hands, it’s easier than trying to get it evenly mixed with a spoon.)
  • Divide into four (4) even portions and roll out in a sausage shape.
  • Place sausages and vegetables on the skews for grilling. (If you don’t want to serve with the vegetable, then skip the skewer.)

Lamb Kofta Kababs Ready for Grilling

  • Grill for 3 minutes per side (10-12 minutes) over med-high heat. I know there are no sides on sausage, but you’ll figure it out.
  • Plate them up!

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce

Serve with a super fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a taste of the Middle East/Mediterranean with family and friends.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad