This Garlic Yogurt Sauce requires just five ingredients and a few minutes of prep time — it couldn’t be any easier! Rich and savory with a hint of heat, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving as a simple dip or condiment to pack tons of flavor into your favorite meals.
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Simple Garlic Yogurt Sauce with Jalapeño and Tahini
We love a good sauce! Don’t you?
Sauces are such an easy and fun way to switch up the flavor of meals. However, store-bought varieties are often lacking in the flavor department and typically don’t have the best ingredients.
So, more often than not, we make our own sauces at home instead, and this garlic yogurt sauce is one of our go-to options for a quick, crowd-pleasing option. Inspired by our Lebanese toum, it offers a new flavor profile with lots of savoriness and just a touch of heat.
It’s perfect for adding to sandwiches and wraps or serving on its own with dippers! Plus, it has a total time of just a few minutes and stores well, meaning you can always keep a batch on hand.
What Is Garlic Yogurt Sauce Made Of?
- Jalapeño Pepper – Use a whole jalapeño, and remove the seeds and membrane before you begin. This creates the perfect amount of heat!
- Garlic – Whole, fresh garlic cloves are best for this recipe. Powdered garlic won’t work well.
- Salt – Adjust to taste.
- Yogurt – Use plain regular yogurt or Greek yogurt. We highly recommend full-fat varieties for the richest taste and creamiest texture!
- Tahini Paste – Use high-quality tahini with minimal ingredients. This adds a subtly nutty flavor and a creamier texture.
Become the Sauce Boss with this Easy Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prepare the jalapeño. Before you begin, remove the stems and seeds from the jalapeño. Then, cut it into quarters. This makes it easier to blend!
- Blend the jalapeño and garlic. Use a mortar and pestle to blend the jalapeño pieces and minced garlic together until they form a paste.
Pro-Tip: If you’re having trouble blending the ingredients, add the salt at this time. It helps break down the mixture and enhance the flavor.
- Combine the remaining ingredients. Transfer the jalapeño mixture to a food processor or blender along with the remaining ingredients. Pulse until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. Adjust the seasonings as desired.
Flavor Variations
- Add herbs – Add a vibrant taste and create a completely new flavor profile with a couple of tablespoons of your favorite fresh herbs. Parsley, cilantro, mint, dill, and tarragon would all taste great!
- Use roasted garlic – Enhance the garlic flavor and add a subtle smokiness by roasting the garlic cloves before adding them to the sauce.
- Include citrus – Include a splash of lemon juice or lime juice for a touch of brightness.
- Omit the tahini – Omit the tahini for a simple sauce with a bolder garlic flavor.
Ways to Use
Use this quick garlic yogurt sauce as a dip with pretzels, chips, crackers, and veggie sticks, Or, spread it on chicken, fish, sandwiches, or wraps.
It can even be included in grain bowls and salads! Use it to add flavor to all your favorite meals.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
We don’t recommend freezing this recipe as the dairy will not thaw well.
More Homemade Sauces and Dips
Need more dips and sauciness in your life? We’re right there with you! Here are a few more that top our list of favorites!
- High-Protein Feta Cucumber Sauce
- Easy Zhoug Sauce Recipe
- Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip
- Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Pistachios
5-Ingredient Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups full fat yogurt can be subbed with low-fat but won’t be as creamy
- 1/3 cup tahini paste stirred
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the jalapeño and garlic. Remove the stems and seeds from the jalapeño, and cut it into quarters to make it easier to blend.1 jalapeño pepper
- User a mortar and pestle to blend the jalapeño and garlic together until they become soft and form a paste. The salt can be added during this step to help break down the ingredients and enhance the flavor.1 garlic clove, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- Once the jalapeño and garlic have been properly blended, transfer them to a food processor or blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor: 2 cups of yogurt and 1/3 cup of tahini paste.2 cups full fat yogurt, 1/3 cup tahini paste
- Blend all the ingredients together in the food processor until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. This should take a few minutes, depending on the power of the machine.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or tahini if desired.
- Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency and flavor, transfer it to a serving bowl.
- Refrigerate the sauce for a while to allow the flavors to meld, and serve it chilled. Alternatively, serve the sauce immediately, or store it for up to a week in the fridge.
- Enjoy this creamy yogurt sauce with a hint of jalapeño and tahini as a delicious accompaniment to chips, fresh vegetables, or as a flavorful sauce for various dishes.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
