Healthy Tzatziki and Pita Bread

Tzatziki and Pita bread.jpeg

Mediterranean food has been my jam lately, not to mention snacks during quarantine. I’ve also been enjoying some of the extra time on my hands from no commute in the kitchen since I’ve been working from home more than usual aka my office was transformed into a yoga studio.

Making fresh bread and pasta is also becoming a new hobby and passion, and what I love about pita bread is that there’s no hefty kneading required. It’s pretty simple (if I can do it, so can you), and a great place to start when it comes to homemade bread! Plus, once you start making your own I don’t think you’ll want to go back.

So today I’m sharing my favorite healthy 6 ingredient tzatzki that goes well with veggies or pita bread as a snack OR paired with a mediterranean dish.

Tzatziki Ingredients:

  • 3 cups plain yogurt (great source of probiotics to support gut health. I like Stoneyfield grass-fed whole milk greek)

  • 1 long, thing cucumber, peeled, seeds removed, and finely chopped

  • 3-6 garlic cloves, finally chopped (raw garlic has antimicrobial effects and can improve immune function)

  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (California Olive Ranch is a favorite)

  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill

  • 1/4 lemon, juiced (optional)

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Line a mesh strainer with a cheese cloth or paper towels and spoon the yogurt in, allowing the liquid to drain for a few hours — this step is optional depending on how watery your yogurt is.

  2. Transfer the strained yogurt into a bowl and combine the rest of the ingredients.

  3. Stir together, garnish with extra chopped dill, and chill.

Pita Bread Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon dried yeast

  • 2 teaspoons organic cane sugar

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing

  • 3/4 cup lukewarm water

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Make a well in the center, and add the oil and water. Kneed lightly until combined, for roughly 3-5 minutes.

  2. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30-60 minutes.

  3. Divide the dough into 5 pieces and roll out into 8-inch rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.

  4. Add a dash of oil to a heated skillet and cook each side for about 3 minutes until browned in several places.

  5. Remove and either serve immediately or place into an airtight container or bag to keep moist.

Recipes inspired by Vefa’s Kitchen

RecipesSara HubbardHealthy snack, Mediterranean