Cacik

🥗Traditional Cacık Recipe from North Cyprus: A Refreshing Yogurt & Cucumber Dip

Cacık (pronounced “jah-juk”) is one of the most beloved dishes in North Cyprus cuisine. Refreshing, healthy, and simple to prepare, this yogurt and cucumber dip is enjoyed as a starter, side dish, or even a light meal during the hot Mediterranean summers. Similar to the Greek tzatziki, Cypriot cacık has its own distinctive touch, reflecting the island’s rich culinary heritage.
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❓What is Cacık?

Cacık is a traditional Turkish Cypriot meze dish made with thick yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dried mint. It’s often served chilled, making it perfect alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or fresh bread. In North Cyprus, cacık is a staple on the table during family gatherings, barbecues, and festive occasions.
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🥗Ingredients for Authentic North Cypriot Cacık

To make 4 servings:
• 500g thick strained yogurt (preferably full-fat, for a creamy texture)
• 2 small cucumbers, finely diced or grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried mint (a Cypriot essential!)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup cold water (optional, for a thinner consistency)
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

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👨‍🍳Step-by-Step Cacık Recipe

🚿Prepare the cucumber: Wash, peel (optional), and finely dice or grate the cucumbers. For a smoother dip, squeeze out excess water.

🥣Mix the yogurt: In a large bowl, whisk the strained yogurt until smooth.

🧄Add garlic & seasoning: Stir in the crushed garlic, salt, and dried mint.

🥘Combine ingredients: Add the cucumbers and drizzle in the olive oil. Mix well.

🥄Adjust texture: For a creamier dip, keep it thick. For a soup-like summer version (popular in Cyprus), add up to ½ cup of cold water and mix until silky.

🍽️Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
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🍽️Serving Suggestions

In North Cyprus, cacık is served as part of a meze spread. It pairs beautifully with:

Warm pita or village bread
Grilled lamb, chicken skewers, or halloumi
Fresh salads and olives
Rice pilaf or bulgur wheat dishes

Tip: On hot Cypriot summer days, cacık can be served in a bowl with extra water and ice cubes for a refreshing cold soup!
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🏋Health Benefits of Cacık

Cacık is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition:
Probiotics from yogurt support gut health
Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories
Olive oil & garlic provide heart-healthy benefits
Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free

This makes cacık a guilt-free addition to any meal.
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🔄Variations of Cacık

Cypriot Style: Always uses dried mint for an authentic flavour.
Thick Meze Version: Served like a dip with bread.
Summer Soup Version: Thinned with water and chilled, sometimes with ice cubes.
Herbal Twist: Fresh dill or parsley can be added for a fragrant lift.
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😋Why You’ll Love Making Cacık

Cacık is:
Quick and easy (ready in under 10 minutes)
Refreshing and healthy
A true taste of North Cyprus tradition
Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or parties
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🌸 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a taste of North Cyprus cuisine into your kitchen, cacık is the perfect recipe to start with. Simple, fresh, and versatile, it captures the flavours of the Mediterranean in every spoonful.

Whether served as a meze dip, a side to grilled meats, or a chilled summer soup, cacık is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.