By Chef Linda
Even the best recipes sometimes need a little something extra. A little “special sauce” can elevate a dish, unite flavors, and tie everything together. Yogurt sauce is used many cultures as an accompaniment or as a marinade, and with so many options for dairy-free yogurt, there’s no reason not to slather this tasty, tangy sauce on everything from Simple Seitan Skewers to sandwiches, tempeh and even salads. Here, we use cucumber for favor and color, but feel free to substitute fresh herbs for a variation on a familiar favorite. Make it a day in advance so that the flavors mingle and come alive.
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Even the best recipes sometimes need a little something extra. A little "special sauce" can elevate a dish, unite flavors, and tie everything together.
Ingredients
- 1/2 of a large cucumber
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- Juice of one large lemon, about 2 to 3 tablespoons (add zest if you like)
- 2 large cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more to drizzle
- 1 cup non-dairy Greek yogurt (I used So Delicious Greek Style, made with coconut milk)
- Small handful of fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber in half lengthways, and remove the seeds with a teaspoon. Coarsely grate the unpeeled cucumber with a box grater and put into a wire mesh strainer or colander. Sprinkle with salt and toss with your hands. Place the strainer over a bowl or sink and let stand for about 30 minutes. Gently squeeze out all of the excess moisture and place cucumber in a bowl. Add garlic, lemon juice and oil. Mix thoroughly, then add yogurt. Stir to combine, then taste and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate for about an hour, or make a day in advance.
