Cacık (Yogurt and Cucumber)

Method

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1. 1Wash the cucumbers and peel them in stripes if the skin is thick. Grate them on the coarse side of a grater or cut into very small dice.
2. 2Crush the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, or grate it finely. A paste spreads evenly through the yogurt and tastes less harsh.
3. 3Whisk the yogurt in a bowl for 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in the garlic and salt.
4. 4Add the cucumber and dill. Stir in cold water a little at a time until you reach the consistency you want: soupy to serve alongside a meal, or thick enough to hold on a spoon as a dip.
5. 5Divide into bowls, crumble the dried mint over with your fingers and drizzle with olive oil. In summer, add an ice cube or two and serve well chilled.