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Tzatiki (Cucumber Yogurt Salad)
This is a traditional dish that is also found in many middle-eastern cuisines. It is a refreshing side salad that can be served as an accompaniment to meat dishes or just about any meal.
Servings: 4 to 6
Time: 30 minutes

1 cucumber, peeled
2 cloves garlic, or to taste
Salt
2 cups plain yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh mint, minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
Extra virgin olive oil

Quarter cucumber lengthwise and slice thinly. Place in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let sit for 20 minutes. Squeeze liquid out of cucumbers with hands.

Mash garlic into a paste using a mortar and pestle or with the back of a knife on a cutting board. To do this, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over garlic and mash with pestle, or with the back of a knife on a cutting board. Garlic should become a thick paste.

Place yogurt into a medium-sized bowl. Add cucumber, garlic and fresh herbs and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt. To serve, drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the top.