Tzatziki Sauce - Hamilton Style :)
Tzatziki Sauce - Hamilton Style :)
There was a time, many years ago, when tzatziki was something I simply bought at the grocery store. Then I discovered just how ridiculously easy it was to make at home. And then, somewhere along the way, something even better happened...
One of those happy little kitchen accidents that can only happen when you're making do with what you have on hand. You substitute an ingredient because you have no choice, discover that the result is soooo much better than the original, and suddenly there's no going back!
In this case, there are two rather unconventional swaps that have turned traditional tzatziki into what we now affectionately call Hamilton Style.
First up — vanilla Greek yogurt instead of plain. Yes, vanilla! I know, I know...but trust me on this one. What began as a necessity has become an absolute preference. In fact, I now specifically buy vanilla Greek yogurt when I'm planning to make tzatziki. The subtle sweetness and hint of vanilla are just wonderful with the garlic and cucumber.
And here's the funny part. Recently, I found myself out of vanilla yogurt and had to make do with plain. You know, the kind you're actually supposed to use? Well, let's just say the result was rather sad. 😂
The second swap — fresh basil instead of dill. Now, if you're a devoted dill enthusiast, by all means, stick with it. But I've always found dill a little overpowering, and it's rarely something I have fresh on hand. Basil, on the other hand, is another story!
And what a discovery that turned out to be. Fresh basil brings a lovely, fragrant freshness that works beautifully with the cucumber, garlic and that unexpected hint of vanilla.
So there you have it. Two little substitutions, neither particularly traditional, both absolutely intentional.
Sometimes the best recipes aren't the ones we follow. They're the ones we stumble upon when we don't have quite what we need.
And in our kitchen, this is one of those happy accidents that has become a keeper! ❤️
Tzatziki Sauce - Hamilton Style Recipe
Special Note: The key ‘uncommon’ ingredients in this recipe are Vanilla Flavoured greek yogurt and Basil. Greek yogurt (with or without fat) is the best in this recipe to give it a nice thick consistency.
Ingredients:
!/2 c grated cucumber on the larger holes of a box grater
1c thick Vanilla flavoured yogurt ( I used fat free - but with fat also works)
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4tsp fine salt
1tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
Place the grated cucumber on a clean kitchen towel or a couple of layers of paper towel and place in a colander.
In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon, garlic, salt and basil.
Squeeze the juice out of the cucumber.
Add to the bowl and stir to combine.
Chill until ready to use.
