Dipping Sauces

Dipping Sauces

Dipping Sauces

Indulge in the rich flavors of these thick, creamy, and outrageously tasty dipping sauces, offering a delightful alternative to store-bought mayonnaise. While mayonnaise is a common condiment found in many kitchens, store-bought versions often contain unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and preservatives that can detract from an otherwise nutritious meal. Making your own sauces at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that what you’re eating is as wholesome as possible.

Store-bought mayonnaise is typically made with refined oils, which can be high in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are essential in small amounts, an excess in the diet can contribute to inflammation and other health issues. Additionally, many commercial mayonnaises contain sugar, artificial flavors, and stabilizers, which are best avoided if you’re striving for a healthier diet.

By preparing your own dipping sauces using fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, you not only enhance the flavor of your meals but also provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Ingredients like avocado, tahini, and olive oil are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and help to lower bad cholesterol levels. Fresh herbs and garlic add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, boosting your overall health with every bite.

These homemade sauces are versatile and can be used as dips or dressings for a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches and BBQ meats. Say goodbye to unhealthy fats and artificial additives, and embrace the goodness of homemade, flavorful sauces that nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds.

Let’s get started on making thes wholesome and delicious dipping sauces or mayonnaise alternatives!

Ingredients

Avocado Dip Sauce:

  • 200 g avocado flesh
  • 4 fresh coriander stems
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • ½ tsp. dried onion
  • ½ tsp. dried garlic
  • 2 to 3 tbsp. water (to adjust the thickness)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Tahini Dip Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup tahini
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. white vinegar
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Peanut Butter Dip Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup unsweetened peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp. sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp. sriracha sauce
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Feta Cheese Dip Sauce:

  • 100 g feta cheese
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 fresh coriander stems
  • 4 fresh dill stems
  • Black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Avocado Dip Sauce: Blend avocado, fresh coriander, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dried onion, and dried garlic with water until smooth and creamy.
  2. Tahini Dip Sauce: Whisk tahini, hot water, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until you get a creamy and thick consistency.
  3. Peanut Butter Dip Sauce: Mix peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper until you get a creamy and fragrant texture.
  4. Feta Cheese Dip Sauce: Blend feta cheese, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, coriander, dill, salt, and pepper until creamy and rich.
  5. Serve each sauce with your favorite dishes for a delicious and healthy dipping experience.

Nutritional Information

  • Due to the variety of ingredients in the four different sauces, specific nutritional information is not provided. You can calculate the nutritional information for each sauce based on the ingredients used.

Notes:

  • We can’t provide the nutritional info for all 4 dipping sauces. You can do it for each one if you desire.
  • Store avocado sauce for up to 2 days in the fridge. The other 3 can be stored for up to 1 week.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Prep Time: 30 to 40 minutes
  • Servings: Multiple servings

Storage and Recommendations

  • Storage: Store the avocado dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tahini, peanut butter, and feta cheese dips can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Recommendations: These sauces are perfect for dipping fresh vegetables, drizzling over salads, or adding a burst of flavor to grilled meats and sandwiches.
Mackerel Garlic Sauce

Mackerel Garlic Sauce

Mackerel Garlic Sauce

Introducing a recipe that’s not just delicious but also packed with incredible health benefits—Mackerel Garlic Sauce. This dish is a game-changer for anyone looking to add more nutritious options to their meals without compromising on flavor. Mackerel, the star of this recipe, is a powerhouse of nutrients that everyone should consider incorporating into their diet regularly.

Mackerel is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. These healthy fats are also beneficial for brain function and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, mackerel is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, B12, and selenium, making it a must-have in your diet. Including mackerel in your meals can provide significant health benefits, from boosting your immune system to improving your overall well-being. So, why not make this nutrient-dense fish a regular part of your weekly meal plan?

Now, let’s dive into how you can prepare this flavorful and healthy dish.

Ingredients

For the fish:

  • 1 large mackerel fish (500 g) or 2 large fillets (360 g)

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

  • 15 g butter
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Pinch of chili pepper
  • ¼ tsp. dried dill

Directions

Mackerel Preparation:

1. Season mackerel fillets with salt and pepper.

2. Cook skin-side down in a hot pan for 5-7 minutes until golden.

3. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked on the second side.

4. Transfer the cooked fillets to a serving platter.

Lemon Garlic Sauce:

5. Melt butter in the same pan.

6. Fry grated garlic until golden and fragrant.

7. Season with salt, pepper, and chili pepper.

8. Add lemon juice and dried dill, simmer for 5 minutes until you reach a creamy sauce.

Serving:

9. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the mackerel fillets.

10. If desired, serve with a salad and rice.

Nutritional Information

Per 1 Serving:

  • Energy: 253 calories
  • Protein: 36.84 g
  • Fat: 9.76 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.65 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g

Notes:

  • This recipe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with a single serving providing over 5,000 mg—far exceeding daily recommendations.
  • Including mackerel in your diet can help meet the recommended intake of omega-3, which is often deficient in many diets.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes + 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2 servings

Storage and Recommendations:

  • Storage: Store any leftover mackerel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or enjoy cold over a salad.
  • Recommendations: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day.
Garlic Rice

Garlic Rice

Garlic Rice

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate side dish, look no further than this Fragrant Garlic Rice. It’s a game-changer, transforming ordinary rice into a symphony of flavors. Imagine the rich aroma of sautéed garlic enveloping perfectly cooked Jasmine rice, each grain infused with the savory essence of olive oil and spices. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple meal into something extraordinary.

But this recipe isn’t just about incredible taste—it’s also about making healthier choices. Jasmine rice, our star ingredient, is not only delicious but also packs some impressive nutritional benefits. It’s a source of quick energy, thanks to its high carbohydrate content, which is perfect for fueling your day. Plus, Jasmine rice contains a good amount of fiber, which is great for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut. Incorporating Jasmine rice into your diet can help keep you energized and satisfied, making it an excellent addition to your regular meal rotation.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Jasmine rice (180 g)
  • 2 cups water
  • 30 g fresh garlic
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp. coriander powder (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine Jasmine rice, water, and salt in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered with a clean kitchen towel to absorb the excess humidity, for 30 minutes to an hour.
  4. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté grated garlic until golden and fragrant.
  5. Add cooked rice to the pan and toss with garlic oil mixture for 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Transfer the aromatic rice to a serving bowl and enjoy as a delectable side dish.

Nutritional Information

Per 1 Serving:

  • Energy: 349 calories
  • Protein: 4.54 g
  • Fat: 13.86 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50.8 g
  • Fiber: 1.9 g

Prep Time, Servings, and Storage

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (including 5 minutes sautéing)
  • Servings: 3
  • Storage: You can store your leftover rice in the fridge for up to 3 days. Covering with a kitchen towel for 30 minutes is an optional step that helps achieve the perfect texture.

Notes

  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile side dish for various dietary preferences.