Dish of Chickpea Tzatziki Salad
(click to enlarge)

Chickpea Tzatziki Salad


Greece   -   Tzatziki me Saláta revithión
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 4 #
**
30 min
Note		 An excellent salad that's a bit more substantial than the usual "cucumber only" Tzatziki Salad. Suitable for table service or buffet. See also Make Ahead.

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1
3
1
2
2
1/4
1/8
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1
2x15
3
3
2
1/2
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c
T
cl
T
t
t
t
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#
oz
T
T

t
-- Tzatziki
Yogurt, Greek (1)
Lemon Juice
Garlic
Olive Oil
Honey
Salt
Pepper
-- Salad
Persian Cucumbers (2)  
cans Chickpeas
Dill
Mint
Scallions
Salt 		Tzatziki:   -   (10 min)
  1. Place YOGURT in a large non-reactive mixing bowl.
  2. Squeeze LEMON JUICE. Crush GARLIC and chop very fine. Mix together all Tzatziki items and whisk until smooth. If it seems too thick, whip in just a touch of Water. Refrigerate until needed.
Salad:   -   (20 min + chilling)
  1. Slice CUCUMBERS in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise into about 1/2 inch pieces (see Make Ahead).
  2. Drain and rinse Chickpeas. Add to Cucumbers.
  3. Chop DILL and MINT fine. Add to Cucumbers.
  4. Slice SCALLIONS thin, white and green. Add to Cucumbers.
  5. Mix it all together and chill thoroughly.
NOTES:

  1. Yogurt:

      In Greece, sheep or goat yogurt is traditional, and is thicker than cow yogurt. For this reason we call for "Strained Yogurt", called "Greek Yogurt" in North America. Use only a tart, natural, full fat yogurt with no sweeteners or flavorings. You can, of course, make your own Strained Yogurt by hanging regular yogurt in a muslim bag to drain.

  2. Cucumbers:

      If at all possible use Persian, or similar cucumbers that don't need to be peeled or seeded. If all you can get are standard waxed Green Blimps, you need to peel and seed them before weighing.

  3. Make Ahead:

      If to be held longer than 20 minutes, it is best to tumble the Cucumbers with some salt and let sit for about 30 minutes. Then rinse and drain so the dressing doesn't become watery. Another strategy is to refrigerate the Tzatziki and the Salad separately. Drain the Salad and mix all together just before serving.

  4. Comments:

      Most recipes call for drizzling more Olive Oil over the salad. Since I'm usually serving on the buffet, that's not practical for me, and most people around here wouldn't miss the extra calories.
  5. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar="as required tt=to taste
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