Xaxiq, also known as Salcë Kosi, is the Albanian counterpart to the Greek tzatziki. This versatile yogurt-based dip is a fundamental part of Albanian cuisine, enjoyed with various dishes or as a refreshing accompaniment to bread. Our recipe offers two versions: a stronger variant perfect for meat dishes, and a fresh variant with the addition of carrots. Whichever you choose, Xaxiq is easy to make and bursting with vibrant flavors.
What is Salcë kosi, we almost hear you thinking. Well, salcë kosi is also called xaxiq and then it immediately becomes a lot clearer. Xaxiq is the Albanian version of the Greek tzatziki.
The term ‘xaxiq’ is hardly used in Albania but is often used to make it clear to tourists that they are being served an Albanian variant of Greek tzatziki in a restaurant. In Albania this (dipping) sauce is officially known as salcë kosi, where kos means ‘yogurt’.
The biggest difference with tzatziki is that in the traditional Albanian variants, little or no dill or parsley is added. However, these herbs do appear in some family recipes.
For convenience, let’s use the term ‘xaxiq’ in this article.
Xaxiq is one of the most used side dishes in Albanian cuisine. It is made in every family and is served in various variations with every meal.
Delicious for dipping with a piece of bread. Bread is always served with every meal in Albania and combined with the xaxiq adds some freshness to every meal. It is also a tasty sauce with roasted meat and is ideal for the barbecue.
In Albania there are two different recipes for xaxiq: the stronger variant and the fresh variant. Each variant has its own purpose.
This variant is mainly served with meat dishes or fried potatoes. The combination of the famous Albanian qofte and the stronger version of the xaxiq is widely praised.
The fresh Variant is extra Refreshing due to the use of carrots in the recipe. Less or even no garlic is also added. This variant is more often used on bread, in combination with fresh tomatoes.
Both versions of the xaxiq are super easy and quick to make yourself.
Xaxiq, also known as Salcë Kosi, is a versatile Albanian yogurt dip. This recipe offers two variations: a stronger version perfect for meat dishes, and a fresh variant with carrots.
Cuisine: Albanian
Course: Side dish
Keywords: Xaxiq, Tzatziki, Albanian cuisine, Albanian recipe, Albanian Kitchen
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2 Responses
Wat een interessant en leerzaam artikel. Ik wist dat xaxiq de Albanese versie van de Griekse tzatziki was, maar dat er twee varianten zijn was voor mij ook nieuw.
Ook grappig is dat xaxiq in Albanië slechts voor buitenlandse gasten wordt gebruikt, terwijl men zelf van ‘salcë kosi’ met de betekenis van ‘yoghurtsaus’ spreekt.
Beste Fred,
Bedankt voor je leuke reactie. Hopelijk smaken de recepten bij jou thuis in de keuken net zo goed als in de Albanese keukens.