Let's Get Saucy

 

I recently told a friend that my favorite food is sauce. I use the word “sauce” loosely here in that I’m really referring to anything on a plate  that is intended to be picked up, scooped up, or transported to my mouth by another food item on said plate. I really just need a vehicle for the sauce. Think Frank’s RedHot on eggs, hummus and crackers, fruit preserves on oatmeal, fig jam on a cheese plate, yogurt dips and pita, Bitchin’ Sauce with veggies, ranch or BBQ with pizza (I know, I KNOW). A form of sauce or dip is usually the star of a meal for me. It’s that je ne sais quoi that can take something “meh” to “YES”. 

When making my own sauces/dips/spreads, I stick with a fairly tried-and-true formula: something creamy (like yogurt, nut butter, or beans), some sort of tang (your acid), something to smooth it all out (usually water or oil), lots of salt, and other fun extra items (I’m talking herbs and spices). The more you practice with what works for your taste buds, the more adventurous you can get (check out the optional additions below). As they are my fave food, I have a big rotation of sauces, so I’m sharing two regulars that keep things interesting and super satisfying: 

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Tahini-Yogurt Sauce

Typically makes ~2-3 servings, but depends on how much you like to use

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons tahini 

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or labneh

  • 1 tablespoon acid (lemon juice or apple cider vinegar would work here) 

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or if you’re like me and like things very salty, you can do 1/2 teaspoon). My favorite is Diamond Crystal  

  • 1 clove of garlic (finely chopped) or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

  • Freshly ground black pepper 

Optional (delicious) additions to mix in

  • Fresh herbs (dill, cilantro, parsley) 

  • Red chili flakes 

  • GENEROUS amount of your favorite hot sauce (mine is Frank’s) 

  • Spices such as cumin or turmeric 

  • Finely chopped preserved lemon (not a super common ingredient, but such a unique flavor)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Whisk all ingredients in a bowl. The tahini is going to make this thick, so you’ll want to add some water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) to thin it out to your desired consistency. Salt + pepper to taste. Get some sauce vehicles, and enjoy!

Spicy Peanut Sauce

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter (I like using salted + chunky) 

  • 1 tablespoons rice vinegar 

  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil 

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 

  • 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce

Optional additions

  • Red chili flakes for spice 

  • Your favorite hot sauce 

  • Finely chopped garlic and/or ginger

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Whisk all ingredients in a bowl. Like the tahini sauce, the peanut butter will make it thick. Leave as is (perfect for a spring roll), or whisk in a little water to loosen it up. Salt + pepper to taste.

Either of these would be great with a crudite plate or roasted veggies, with fried rice or a grain bowl, on a sandwich or salad, it’s really up to you and your preferences. Spooning them directly into your mouth works too.

 
EatsRebecca LeeSnacks