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how to make creamy cilantro sauce recipe

Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe

As spring transforms into summer, I can’t help but crave vibrant, fresh flavors. One of my personal favorites is a creamy cilantro sauce that perfectly complements a bevy of summertime dishes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 64 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup tangy sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 2 peeled garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1 cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 jalapeño pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Before diving in, assemble all your ingredients. Having everything in front of you sets the stage for a smooth preparation phase. Fresh cilantro? Check! Limes, garlic, all that good stuff ready to rock.

Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro

  • Rinse your cilantro thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt. Shake off the excess moisture, and then remove the leaves from the stems. Measuring a whole cup packed ensures you get that wonderful cilantro flavor.

Step 3: Blend the Base

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, Greek yogurt, and cold-pressed olive oil. Let the blender whir for about 10 seconds until it's creamy. If you have a powerful blender, I suggest blending the ingredients first to avoid leafy bits later.

Step 4: Add Fresh Flavors

  • Add in the fresh cilantro leaves, chives, garlic cloves, lime zest, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, and jalapeño. Here comes the fun part! Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping the sides down if necessary. It should become a vibrant green color that screams freshness!

Step 5: Season to Perfection

  • Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning. This is your chance to add more salt or a little more honey depending on your preference. Blend again if needed. Do not skip this step—seasoning is everything!

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

  • Transfer the creamy mixture into a bowl or airtight container. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the deliciousness.

Notes

  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Dried cilantro just doesn’t cut it here.
  • Tweak the Heat: If you prefer the sauce milder, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
  • Add Some Kick: For an extra hit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Food Processor Option: If you don’t have a blender, a food processor works just as well.
  • Leftover Sauce: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for about three days.

Nutrition

Serving: 35gCalories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 5.3gSaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 146mgSugar: 1g
Keyword Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe
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