Are you a fan of that incredible creamy jalapeño sauce you get at your favorite Mexican restaurant? That delicious, slightly spicy, intensely flavorful topping that elevates everything from tacos to eggs? Well, you're in luck! This recipe will guide you through making a homemade version that's just as good – maybe even better! It's easier than you think, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. This is the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, transforming even the simplest meals into delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained diced green chilies, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
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Blend until Smooth: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, be careful to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
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Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, salt for saltiness, or lime juice for acidity.
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Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. For a milder sauce, omit it entirely or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. Greek yogurt can be substituted for part of the sour cream for a healthier option.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cilantro significantly enhances the flavor. If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro instead, but be mindful that the flavor will be slightly different.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients. A pinch of cumin or a diced jalapeño pepper adds another dimension of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This creamy jalapeño sauce is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, burritos, nachos, baked potatoes, or even scrambled eggs. It adds a delicious zing to any Mexican-inspired dish, transforming a simple meal into a culinary delight. It’s a staple in our house now, and I know it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy!