It is worth trying to make your own dipping sauce. It’s tastier, cheaper and healthier than buying a ready-made dip mix. Here is a guide on how to do it in the best way.
Choose a base for your dipping sauce
Start with a creamy base for your dip. This can be creme fraiche, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, hummus or a combination of these. The base will give the dip texture and contribute some of the flavor.
Add the flavor to the dipping sauce
Now it’s time to add the flavors you want in your dip. You can use fresh or dried herbs, spices, garlic, onion, chili, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, soy, ginger, wasabi, smoked paprika, horseradish, grated cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, jalapenos… the list goes on long! Remember that the flavors should complement each other and not compete for attention. Take flavor inspiration from dip mixers you can find in the store, e.g. ranch or dill and chives, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own, perfect taste of the dipping sauce.
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Finely chop, mix and taste the dipping sauce
If you are using fresh herbs, onions, garlic, chilies, etc., be sure to finely chop them so that you get an even distribution in your dip. Once everything is mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe you need more salt, an extra squeeze of lemon juice for tartness, or a pinch of sugar to balance the heat. It is important to always adjust and make sure the dipping sauce suits you.
Leave the dipping sauce in the fridge
It can be easy to forget, but it’s always a good idea to let your dipping sauce sit for a few hours, or overnight if possible. This gives time for the flavors to mingle and intensify.
Try the dipping sauce with chips
Finally, when you are going to serve your dip, test it with whatever you plan to dip it in. The flavors can change depending on which chips you are going to dip. You may find that you need to adjust the seasoning a bit more.