Cooking takes time and effort, and some of us are extremely intimidated by the kitchen and everything that comes along with making a meal. However, some recipes, including sauces, are easier to make than you’d think. If you’re new to cooking, it’s all about following each step and not straying from what the recipe says you should be doing next. Below are a few of my favorite sauces I make right at home and honestly, they turn out better than what I’d buy at the store.
Pesto – Bright, colorful and good for you, pesto is one of the most basic things you can make at home and can be added to a handful of meals by following a few simple steps. Pasta, tostadas and pizza all blend well with pesto, so why not give this recipe a try! To start, pull out your food processor or Ninja blender. Add fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, olive oil and salt. Then, blend it all together and you’re done!
Hummus – I used to be like most consumers that go to their local grocery store, pick up the Sabra hummus and call it a day. However, I’ve been trying to be a little better about making things at home. I thought hummus would be a great place to start – given we always have it at home and I can customize it to our liking in less than five minutes. Start by pouring chickpeas, oil and garlic into the food processor. Blend it for about 10 seconds and once you see the chickpeas are smooth and the consistency of hummus, stop. To add a little more flavor to it, try adding pesto, sun-dried tomatoes or lemon.
Chimichurri – A staple sauce in Argentina, I grew up with chimichurri added to grilled chicken, steak and basically, any meat you can think of. One of the best ways to make chimichurri and keep the authentic flavors it’s known for is to keep things simple and not try to overcomplicate the recipe. To make it at home, add Italian parsley, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, vinegar and oil to the blender. These six ingredients will make a flawless blend of chimichurri and add just the perfect touch of freshness to your meal.
