Are you looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner? Or perhaps you need the perfect sauce to impress guests at your next dinner party? Look no further! This Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce recipe is the answer. It's surprisingly simple to make, yet bursting with rich, savory flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. This recipe is perfect for pasta, chicken, steak, or even vegetables – it's incredibly versatile and guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Don't let it brown.
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Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
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Add the bourbon: Carefully pour in the bourbon. Let it simmer for a minute or two to cook off some of the alcohol, releasing its delicious aroma.
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Stir in the cream: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
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Reduce and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it slightly thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add cheese and parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
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Season to taste: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Tips for the Best Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce:
- Use good quality bourbon: The bourbon is a key ingredient in this recipe, so using a good quality one will make a noticeable difference in the flavor.
- Don't overcook the garlic: Overcooked garlic can become bitter, so sauté it gently and for a short period.
- Adjust the thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin it out. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Make it ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Mushroom: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
- Bacon: Crumble some cooked bacon into the sauce for added richness and flavor.
- Creamy Tomato: Add a splash of tomato paste for a slightly tangier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
This Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce is a fantastic addition to any meal. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and incredibly versatile. It's the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create delicious dishes. Enjoy!