Cacik , or chilled yogurt cucumber soup, in a white bowl.

Cacik (chilled yogurt cucumber soup)

This recipe combines refreshing flavors to make the perfect chilled Turkish soup.

Cacik , or chilled yogurt cucumber soup, in a white bowl.
Cacik (chilled yogurt cucumber soup)

There’s nothing like cold soup on a hot day to cool and refresh you. If you’ve had your fill of gazpacho, why not try cacik (pronounced JAH-jek)? Like the popular Greek dip tzatziki, this Turkish soup is a wonderful combination of cucumber and yogurt enlivened with a hint of garlic. But while the thick consistency of tzatziki is perfect for dipping, cacik is ideal for spooning or slurping.

Servings: 6

Prep time: 20 minutes to prepare; 2 hours to cool

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole Greek yogurt
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 to 1 cup of cold water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Combine the yogurt, olive oil, cucumber, garlic and mint in a large bowl. 
  2. Add the water a little at a time while stirring until you achieve a soup-like consistency. 
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste. 
  4. Chill in the refrigerator, covered, for at least 2 hours.

    Nutrition information (per serving)

  • Calories: 148
  • Total fat: 12 g
  • Saturated fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
  • Sodium: 24 mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Dietary fiber: 0 g
  • Total sugars: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g

Using 4 tablespoons olive oil. Does not include added salt.