I am always proud to tell people about my mixed nationalities. My mom is Greek and my dad is Lebanese. I am a mix of the two most “Mediterranean” cultures ever known (alongside the Italians). I’m using the word “Mediterranean” as an adjective, meaning chaotic, loud, in love with food, olive oil, the sun and the sea, always gathering for special occasions (varying from all family members’ birthdays -including the dog’s- to Christmas, Easter, and family members coming back from abroad) and laughing the night away.
When I went to the UK in 2008 to study for my Masters degree, I met a lot of Greek people, “real” ones. Having always lived in Lebanon, the only information I had about Greek culture came from my grandparents and their stories. But I had always wanted to meet THE Greeks. I did, and I spent a lot of time in Greece visiting them. Of course, I seized the opportunity to learn the “real” tzatziki, how Greek mothers make it. Here it is.
What you’ll need:
– 5 to 6 Cucumbers
– Yogurt (i.e. ‘Laban’ for the Lebanese or Greek yogurt for all countries where you can find it)
– 5 Garlic cloves
– Olive oil
– Salt and Pepper
– A bowl
1) Peel the cucumbers’ skin, and throw it away. Then, continue peeling and add them all to the bowl
2) Crush the garlic cloves and add them on top of the cucumbers
3) Add salt and pepper
4) Add the yogurt on top of everything and mix
5) Add as much olive oil as you’d like and mix
And Voila! You can have it alone or with absolutely everything.
