Green Cilantro Sauce

Green Cilantro Sauce Recipe from Italy with Cumin and Soy Sauce

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green cilantro sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can be used to enhance a wide variety of dishes. This sauce is made with fresh cilantro, parsley, shallots, garlic, gingerroot, and a blend of spices, creating a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.

History

The origins of green cilantro sauce can be traced back to traditional Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, where fresh herbs and spices are commonly used to create flavorful sauces and chutneys. Over time, this recipe has evolved and adapted to suit different culinary preferences and tastes.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, packed
0.5 cup of fresh italian parsley, packed
2 shallots
1 large garlic clove
2 tsp of fresh gingerroot, peeled and grated
0.5 tsp of cumin seeds
0.25 tsp of dried hot red pepper flakes (add more for extra spice)
0.25 cup + 1 tbsp of water
1 tsp of vegetable oil
2 tbsp of soy sauce
2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

Prepare a bowl of ice water.
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and blanch cilantro and parsley for 10 seconds. Drain the herbs using a sieve.
Refresh the herbs by placing them in the bowl of ice water. Drain them again using a sieve.
Chop shallots and garlic.
In a small nonstick skillet, cook shallots, garlic, gingerroot, cumin, and red pepper flakes in 1 tbsp of water and oil over low heat. Stir occasionally until the shallots are softened.
Using a blender, puree the cooked shallot mixture, herbs, remaining 0.25 cup of water, and soy sauce until smooth. This process should take about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, covered, for up to 1 day.
Before serving, bring the sauce to room temperature.
Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice.

Variations

Add a handful of mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
Include a jalapeno pepper for extra heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blanch the cilantro and parsley in boiling water before blending to help preserve their vibrant green color.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.

- For a smoother consistency, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve after blending.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the green cilantro sauce as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. It can also be drizzled over salads, rice dishes, or tacos for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching, sautéing, blending

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh coriander in place of cilantro.

- Substitute white onion for shallots.

- Use ground cumin instead of cumin seeds.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the green cilantro sauce in a small bowl garnished with a sprig of fresh cilantro or parsley. Drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the green cilantro sauce with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with rice dishes, couscous, or quinoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 50

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 5g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 1g

Fats

Total Fat: 2g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

Vitamin C: 20% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This green cilantro sauce is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C.

Summary

Green cilantro sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes. With its fresh herbs, spices, and zesty lemon juice, this sauce is a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy it as a dipping sauce, dressing, or marinade for a burst of flavor in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the fragrant aroma of fresh cilantro wafting through the air. Maria was busy chopping away at a bunch of cilantro, her hands moving with practiced ease as she prepared the ingredients for her famous Green Cilantro Sauce.

I watched in awe as Maria worked, her hands dancing across the cutting board with precision and grace. She explained to me that the sauce was a family recipe, passed down from her grandmother who had learned it from a friend many years ago. The sauce was a staple in their household, used to add a burst of flavor to everything from grilled meats to steamed vegetables.

I couldn't wait to try it for myself, so Maria generously offered to teach me how to make it. She guided me through each step, from selecting the freshest cilantro to blending it with garlic, jalapeños, lime juice, and a touch of olive oil. The vibrant green color of the sauce was mesmerizing, and I couldn't resist dipping a spoon in for a taste.

The flavors exploded in my mouth - tangy, spicy, and herbaceous all at once. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary gem. Maria smiled as she watched me savoring the sauce, knowing that I had just discovered a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made Green Cilantro Sauce whenever I could, experimenting with different variations and tweaking the recipe to suit my taste. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its fresh and zesty flavor. I knew that this sauce was something special, and I was determined to perfect it.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding new ingredients and techniques to make it even better. I learned to balance the flavors of the cilantro, garlic, and jalapeños, adjusting the seasonings until they sang in harmony. I discovered that a touch of honey added a subtle sweetness that elevated the sauce to new heights.

I also learned to appreciate the versatility of Green Cilantro Sauce. It could be used as a marinade for grilled meats, a dressing for salads, or a dipping sauce for crispy fried foods. Its bright and bold flavors added a burst of freshness to any dish, making it a must-have in my culinary repertoire.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe with anyone who was interested, passing on the tradition of Green Cilantro Sauce to a new generation. I taught my grandchildren how to make it, watching with pride as they chopped, blended, and tasted their way to culinary mastery. It was a joy to see them embrace the recipe with the same passion and enthusiasm that I had felt all those years ago.

Now, whenever I make Green Cilantro Sauce, I think of Maria and the day she introduced me to this incredible recipe. Her generosity and love for cooking inspired me to explore new flavors and techniques, and I am forever grateful for her guidance. The sauce has become a symbol of friendship and tradition, a reminder of the power of sharing meals and creating memories with loved ones.

So, if you ever find yourself in my kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant aroma of fresh cilantro, just know that you are about to experience something truly special. Green Cilantro Sauce is more than just a recipe - it is a testament to the joy of cooking, the beauty of tradition, and the magic of shared meals. And I hope that with each bite, you will taste the love and passion that went into creating this culinary masterpiece.