Summer is here. Gazpacho is back. Cacık, read as Jajique, is possibly the Turkish answer to the gazpacho. It is a refreshing, summery and delicious side dish or soup that gives the drinker a wonderful feeling of healthy eating.  It is actually quite healthy too. Well, have a look at the ingredients listed on the side of this page. 

Prepare this vegetarian dish easily by adding water, salt and minced garlic to a thick, whole milk Greek or Turkish sheep’s yogurt. Mix them well to bring the dish to a soup consistency. Then add diced cucumbers to the mix. Once you add some olive oil and dill (optionally mint as well) on top to create that colorful, decorative look we have in our picture, your dish will be ready to chill and serve. There you have it.

Turkish housewives prepare this soup as a side dish to a meal of Turkish beans and rice, as it wonderfully complements a heavier and spicy bean dish with Turkish pepperoni, with its delicious cooling effect.  We don’t recommend making this dish with low fat yogurt or oil other than good extra virgin olive oil.  As it is a simple dish with only a few ingredients, it is best to choose ingredients which will contribute the best and richest flavors. 

Meltem

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