Tzatziki Cucumber Dipping Sauce

• 4 cups plain yogurt, regular
• 3 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
• salt
• 3 garlic cloves (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• fresh ground pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped mint leaf (or to taste) (optional)

1. Line a sieve with a double thickness of dampened cheesecloth.
2. Spoon in yogurt and set the sieve over a bowl.
3. Refrigerate for two to three hours or until yogurt is about half its volume, nicely thick and creamy.
4. Shred or cut cucumber into julienne strips.
5. Place in a colander in sink or over a bowl, sprinkle generously with salt, mix well and let drain for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
6. Rinse and gently pat dry.
7. In a mortor and pestal muddle the garlic into a bit salt.
8. Add to the thickened yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, and if desired, the pepper and mint.
9. Mix well.
10. Serve or refrigerate for a day or two so flavors mingle.
11. Stir again before serving and sprinkle with additional minced mint leaves if desired.

plain yogurt, cucumbers, salt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh ground pepper, mint leaf

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/tzatziki-cucumber-dipping-sauce-83189 (may not work)