Category: Dips, sauces, and spreads

Salsa Verde

I make salsa all summer long.  All of the ingredients are plentiful right now and I have fun creating new salsa variations.  This salsa verde is on my regular rotation. I love it with chorizo and eggs, but it is also my base for chili verde.  You can increase or decrease the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapenos you use in this recipe.

The key to a good salsa verde in my opinion is getting  a good char on the peppers, onions, and tomatillos. I add the garlic to the roasting tray too, but I keep a close eye on it. You don’t want the garlic to burn, it should just be lightly toasted.

Ingredients:

3 pounds Tomatillos
2 Poblano Peppers
1 Yellow Onions, cut into quarters
1 Jalapeno
4 Garlic cloves
1 bunch of cilantro
1 lime, juiced

Directions:

• Turn oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the tomatillos, poblano, onion and garlic on the lined baking sheet and place them on the top rack of the oven.
• Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the tops are charred, rotating to brown all sides and broil for another 3-5 minutes.
• Once everything is charred, remove from oven.
• Remove stems and seeds from jalapeno and poblanos
• Add everything to a blender along with the cilantro and 1 tsp salt pepper. Pulse until combined. Add juice from 1 lime.

Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

IMG_20161107_070345

 

foodfamilywine

Whole30 Ranch Dressing

Ranch has been a staple at every family gathering since I can remember.  It took me some time before I decided to make this for my family because the version they are used to comes from a packet and I didn’t know if they would like my cleaned up version.  I was extremely happy when my friends and family actually started asking me to make it and if I would share my recipe.

Ingredients:
1 C avocado oil or light olive oil
1 egg
¼ C almond milk** (leave this out if you want a thicker ranch dip)
1 T red wine vinegar
2 T fresh dill
1 T fresh parsley
½ t granulated onion
½ t ground black pepper
½ t dried mustard
½ t salt
¼ t granulated garlic

Directions:
In measuring cup or mason jar add all ingredients.
With immersion blender place blade at the bottom of the jar.
Turn on high and slowly pull wand up until ranch is fully combined.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Place all ingredients other than the oil in the blender and turn on low. Slowly drizzle the avocado oil in until creamy and smooth.

**I have also used water or cashew milk in place of almond milk and it is equally as delicious.

Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Carb, Ranch Dressing

ranch

foodfamilywine

Romesco

During one of my rounds of Whole30 I discovered Romesco.  It came in one of my Sun Basket meal preps and I loved it so much I had to try and recreate it.  I made a batch for our last New Year’s Eve party and served it with a beautiful veggie tray and everyone loved it.  It was gone in no time.  Now I know that I need to make a double batch for parties because it is just that good.

This is another versatile sauce that is great on steak, chicken, pork, eggs and veggies. I have also used this Romesco with seared scallops and grilled shrimp.  I hope you try it and love it too!

Romesco

Ingredients:
1 12 oz jar of roasted red bell peppers
2 C slivered or sliced almonds (no skin)
3 cloves garlic
3 T red wine vinegar
2 T tomato paste
½ lemon, juiced
1 t salt
1 t smoked paprika
1 t sweet paprika
1 t black pepper
1/8 t cayenne (optional)
¼ C fresh Italian parsley
1 C Extra Virgen Olive Oil

Directions:
Put everything in food processor except the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add olive oil and pulse until desired consistency.

Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sauce

romesco

foodfamilywine1 Comment

Olive and Sundried Tomato Tapenade

If you are looking for something to add flavor to your dish, this is a must try. This is delicious on grilled salmon, chicken, steak, burgers, pork and veggies. It is a great spread to top your favorite crackers or added to a charcuterie platter. Try a spoonful on your frittata or omelet to jazz up your breakfast.

Olive and Sundried Tomato Tapenade
1 C olives, I use a mix of green and Kalamata olives
1 C sun dried tomatoes
¼ C capers
¼ C flat leaf parsley (basil would also be great instead)
2 T chopped green onions
1 garlic clove, chopped
Pinch of Salt and Pepper
1-2 T EVOO

Directions:
Place all ingredients except EVOO in a food processor and pulse until combined. Add the EVOO to desired consistency and stir.

Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free

foodfamilywine2 Comments