Versatile Avocado Jalapeño Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 piece Avocado (ripe Hass, flesh only)
• 1 piece Jalapeño (seeded and white pith removed)
• 1/2 cup Cilantro (loosely packed, stems removed)
• 4 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp Sour Cream (regular, for smoothness)
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (regular, for richness)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced, fried)
• 1 tsp Olive Oil (for frying garlic)
• 1/4 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/8 tsp Ground Cumin (optional, adds warmth)
• 1-2 tbsp Water (add gradually to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

   Wash cilantro and pat dry. Remove stems and roughly chop. Slice the jalapeño lengthwise, discard seeds and white pith, then coarsely chop. Halve the avocado, remove pit, and scoop flesh into the blender.

   Time: PT5M

2. Fry Garlic

   Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fry for about 30 seconds until golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium

3. Blend the Sauce

   Add the fried garlic, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and cumin to the blender. Blend on high until smooth.

   Time: PT2M

4. Adjust Consistency

   If the sauce is too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time, blending after each addition, until the desired pourable consistency is reached.

   Time: PT1M

5. Taste and Season

   Taste the sauce and adjust salt, lime juice, or a pinch more cumin if needed.

   Time: PT1M

6. Serve or Store

   Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. Use immediately as a dip or drizzle, or cover and refrigerate.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

2g

Carbohydrates

5g

Fat

13g

Fiber

3g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Avocado: Silken tofu
• Instead of Jalapeño: Serrano pepper, green chili
• Instead of Cilantro: Parsley
• Instead of Lime Juice: Lemon juice
• Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
• Instead of Mayonnaise: Vegan mayo
• Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
• Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
• Instead of Salt: Sea salt
• Instead of Ground Cumin: Chipotle powder

Equipment Needed

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Small Bowl
• Blender or Food Processor
• Measuring Spoons
• Spatula or Spoon

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Fry garlic until golden but not burnt
• Blend until completely smooth
• Adjust thickness with water as needed

Chef Tips from the Video

• For a smoky twist, roast the jalapeño before blending
• Use a ripe Hass avocado for maximum creaminess
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 3 days

Freezer: Not recommended; texture may separate

Room temperature: Do not leave out more than 2 hours

Make-Ahead Tips

• Make the sauce a day ahead; flavors meld together
• Store in the refrigerator and stir before serving