Description
This Chipotle Sauce with Garlic and Sour Cream is a creamy, smoky, and mildly spicy condiment perfect for adding a flavorful kick to tacos, grilled meats, sandwiches, and more. Blending smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with tangy sour cream, rich mayonnaise, and zesty lime juice, this sauce is easy to prepare in under 10 minutes and can be customized to your preferred heat level.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or roasted
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
- Prep the garlic and chipotles: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden and soft. Roughly chop the chipotle peppers to make them easier to blend.
- Blend the base: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds depending on your blender’s strength.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more chopped chipotle peppers or adobo sauce if desired. If it’s too spicy, blend in additional sour cream. Adjust salt and lime juice to balance the flavors to your preference.
- Check consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water to loosen it. Blend briefly to combine and achieve the desired texture.
- Store and chill: Transfer the sauce to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic softens its sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers according to your preferred spice tolerance.
- This sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, seafood, tacos, roasted vegetables, and as a sandwich spread.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
