Cilantro Dipping Sauce
Fresh cilantro is one of my FAVORITE herbs. If cilantro is not a favorite herb, Italian flat leaf parsley is a delicious substitute, fresh basil leaves are fabulous, or fresh mint leaves can be a tasty option.
The cheese used here in this simple Cilantro Dipping Sauce or Cilantro Pesto is parmigiano reggiano, an Italian blended cheese. Other cheeses that work well in this recipe are feta, gruyere, cotija, and goat.
A true pesto includes pine nuts. Pine nuts are not used here but are certainly an option. If adding pine nuts, lightly toast them to enhance their flavor. Pine nuts can be toasted in the oven at 275*F for about 30 minutes or over low heat in a saucepan on the stove top. If toasting on the stove top, be careful to pay attention as the pine nuts can burn easily. Add about 2 tablespoons of the toasted pine nuts and blend until smooth.
A food processor or blender works well for this recipe. However, some blenders puree foods more smoothly than others. Thankfully, this recipe tastes delicious whether smooth or more chunky.
Recipe Note: for added spice, use additional serrano chile peppers or add a hot pepper such as seeded and diced Jalapeno pepper. If the recipe becomes too spicy, add a little fresh lemon juice to calm the “spice” flavor.
Serve this sauce among others with Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, recipe here > Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with 5 Sauces
Enjoy more Recipes, Cookbooks, Real Estate and Lifestyle Tips:
For more healthy, delicious recipes, get the Substitute Yourself Skinny cookbook
Enjoy Susan Irby’s Home Chat for Real Estate, Home Decor, and Lifestyle tips.
Subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter at Susan Irby’s Newsletter
Need help Buying or Selling a home? Irby Real Estate Group is ready to help you!
