Are you craving a vibrant and zesty sauce that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce is the perfect addition to your next meal, transforming ordinary dishes into culinary masterpieces. Whether you're looking for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, or simply delicious dishes to impress your family and friends, this recipe fits the bill. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – fresh, flavorful, and unbelievably simple. Get ready to elevate your culinary game with this incredibly versatile and addictive sauce!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
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Simmer the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the cream to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
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Blend the sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully transfer the cream mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Add the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. For a chunkier sauce, pulse the blender a few times instead of blending continuously.
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Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice for extra tang, salt for savoriness, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
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Serve and enjoy: Your Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce is ready! Serve it immediately over your favorite dishes, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce:
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Fresh is best: Using fresh cilantro and lime juice is key to achieving the vibrant, fresh flavor of this sauce. Avoid using dried herbs or bottled lime juice as they won't deliver the same bright taste.
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Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the jalapeño or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Don't overcook the cream: Overcooking the cream can cause it to curdle. Keep the heat low and simmer gently.
Variations:
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Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce: Add 1/2 of a ripe avocado to the blender for a richer, creamier texture and a subtle avocado flavor.
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Cilantro Lime Dressing: Thin the sauce with a little water or lime juice to create a vibrant and flavorful salad dressing.
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Chipotle Lime Cream Sauce: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the blender for a smoky, spicy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and serving size)
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce is a delicious and versatile addition to your recipe collection. Its vibrant flavors pair beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, tacos, vegetables, and so much more. Give it a try and discover a new favorite sauce for easy recipes and healthy meals! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy!