Perhaps not all things green but close to it – six of 10 ingredients for this tasty sauce are green and fresh: basil, mint, jalapeño, scallion and lime (zest and juice). Throw in some yogurt, olive oil, ginger and garlic and you’ll have your new favorite sauce for the summer.
I originally made this to serve with grilled lamb but also served it with grilled chicken. It is great on top of basmati rice or potatoes. It would also make a good salad dressing (it has a similar consistency). I think there are many possibilities that I haven’t even considered.
You can adjust the amount of spice by how much of the jalapeño pepper you use (the seeds make it even spicier). My dad suggested hints of cumin and tumeric – neither are present although we agreed that the overall taste is “middle eastern.” This is a great sauce to make when you have a bounty of fresh basil and mint from your summer garden.
I’d love to hear how you chose to use this sauce.
All Things Green Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 10 ounces non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 1/3 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1-inch-thick piece of ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 small jalapeño pepper halved and seeded if desired (for less heat)
- 1 large scallion trimmed
- Grated zest of 1 lime
- juice from 1 fresh lime
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a Vitamix or blender. Process until smooth.
- Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made one day in advance.
Adapted from: Melissa Clark’s “Late Summer’s Grilling Sweet Spot” in The New York Times (September 10, 2013)
Truly delicious on lamb.
Dad – And, makes a great early Father’s Day dinner! So glad you liked it.
My first thought is that it would be a great dip for vegetables! Just snacking on veggies with this on a summer evening… with a glass of rosé? Perfection!
David – Yes! This is a perfect dip for veggies and would pair well with a lovely rosé (my favorite!). Great suggestion!
I made this dip for a BBQ with my co-workers. When I heard the menu consisted of meat, meat, and cheese, I knew I had to bring something healthy. The sauce was a hit, along with the veggies I brought to go with it. I passed the recipe on to several people, and made it again the next day!
Lauren – I am so glad that you and your friends liked this sauce (dip). Knowing you it’s a perfect match!
I’m trying find an approximation of a spicy green yougurt sauce they put on the lamb merguez pitas from a now closed Indian shop. This looks like it might work.
Excellent – I hope it satisfies your craving!