Homemade Tzatziki

Step 1

Place the cucumber on the cutting board and cut it lengthwise in half from one end to the other, like cutting a hot dog bun in half.

Step 2

Using a small spoon, scrape the watery seeds out of the center of each cucumber half and discard them so the tzatziki doesn't become watery.

Step 3

Cut each cucumber half crosswise into thin half-moon slices about the thickness of a coin, then chop them into very small 1/4-inch pieces.

Step 4

Mince the garlic clove into tiny pieces about the size of pencil-tip dots — the smallest size you can make with a knife.

Step 5

Pour the 2 cups of Greek yogurt into a medium bowl and use a whisk to stir it gently until it looks smooth.

Step 6

Add the chopped cucumber, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill to the yogurt.

Step 7

Pour in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Stir everything together with a rubber spatula or whisk until the cucumber and dill are evenly mixed throughout the yogurt, about 30 seconds.

Step 9

Taste the tzatziki and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed — it should taste bright and herbal.