Creamy Green Chili Sauce is one of those dishes you’ll love to serve on days when you’re craving something a little different.
This sauce strikes the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making many dishes wonderful. Whether you mix it into pasta, drizzle it over roasted chicken, or add it to your next New Mexico green chile sauce recipe, you’ll be impressed.
I’ve been making this Green Chile Cream Sauce Pasta Recipe for years, and whenever I serve it, it’s always a hit! Let me show you how easy it is to make this tasty sauce and how it can be the perfect addition to any meal.
Why Is Creamy Lemon Sauce So Popular?
A creamy lemon sauce has emerged as one that home cooks and chefs return to again and again, and for good reason. That popularity arises from its balance of bright tang and lush creaminess, a twofold gift that makes it stunningly versatile. Here are a couple of reasons this sauce is love-branded
1. Versatile Flavor Profile: With a tart, bright acidity, lemon is delightful when used as a counterpoint to creamy and rich foods such as butter, cream, or Greek yogurt. Its balanced acidity allows it to pair well with a wide range of dishes, from fish and chicken to pasta and vegetables.
2. Easy to Make: A rich lemon sauce is very easy to make. With just a few ingredients, including lemon juice, cream, garlic, and seasonings, you can whip up a delicious sauce quickly. It’s a simple recipe even for the most novice home cooks.
3. Perfect for Summer Dishes: The zingy, fresh taste of lemon feels bright and cheerful, making a wonderful sauce to keep on hand during the warmer months. Whether drizzled over grilled fish, tossed with roasted vegetables, or used as a sauce on pasta, it adds a summery sparkle to whatever you’re eating.
4. Elevates Everyday Meals: Even the simplest dinners — grilled or roasted chicken, potatoes or brown rice, and sautéed greens — become more exciting with a creamy lemon sauce. It’s a complete surprise and an instant flavor bomb.
5. Balance of Tangy and Creamy: The tartness of lemon and the creaminess of this sauce make it rich without being overwhelming. It balances dishes that might feel too heavy, like pasta or steak, by adding a bright contrast.
How To Make Creamy Green Chili Sauce
Recipe Overview
This creamy green chili sauce is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that blends green chili peppers, garlic, cashews, and citrus into a smooth, creamy texture. It’s perfect for spicing up your favorite Mexican dishes or just adding a pop of flavor to your everyday meals.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Sauce/Dip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Calories per serving: 80-100 (varies based on serving size)
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Saucepan (Optional)
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
For this creamy green chili sauce, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- Green chili pepper (1 medium-sized, fresh or roasted)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Raw cashews (1/4 cup, soaked for 20 minutes if you don’t have a high-speed blender)
- Pink salt (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste)
- Water (1/2 cup)
- Lime (1, juiced and zested)
Instructions
Now, let’s get to making this creamy green chili sauce!
- Prep the ingredients: Start by roasting or charring your green chili pepper (you can do this on a stovetop or in an oven). If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds and stems from the pepper before using it.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted chili pepper, minced garlic, soaked cashews, pink salt, water, and lime juice (don’t forget to add the zest for an extra burst of flavor!). Blend everything on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Taste your sauce and feel free to adjust the seasoning. If it needs more heat, add a little more chili. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more water, or even a splash of olive oil for extra richness.
Serve: Transfer your creamy green chili sauce into a serving dish and get ready to add it to your favorite dishes—enchiladas, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even as a dip for chips!
My Secret Tips for Perfect Creamy Green Chili Sauce
1. Cashew Substitution: If you’re allergic to nuts or want a different texture, you can replace the raw cashews with soaked sunflower seeds or even Greek yogurt for a tangier, creamier result.
2. Make It Spicier: If you love extra heat, add a little more green chili or a touch of jalapeño. You can also use Hatch chiles to get that classic New Mexico flavor, which is perfect for this kind of sauce.
3. Make Ahead: This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so feel free to prepare a batch ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container, and it’s ready to use whenever you need a quick flavor boost.
Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
Looking for ways to take this creamy green chili sauce to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Green Chile Cream Sauce for Enchiladas: Pour this creamy sauce over a tray of chicken enchiladas before baking for a rich, flavorful topping that will make your enchiladas unforgettable.
- Green Chile Cream Cheese Sauce: Try adding cream cheese to this sauce for an even richer, more decadent option. It’s perfect for pairing with crispy chicken or serving as a dip for crispy potato fries.
- Green Chile Cream Sauce Pasta: Toss this sauce with your favorite pasta for a creamy, zesty dish. Add some grilled chicken breast for a full meal.
- Salsa Verde Twist: If you like salsa verde, this creamy version can be an excellent twist for taco night. Use it instead of the usual salsa, and prepare for compliments.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Green Chili Sauce
- Soak the Cashews for Extra Creaminess
To achieve that perfectly smooth and creamy texture, soak your cashews for about 20 minutes before blending. If you’re in a hurry and have a high-speed blender, you can skip the soaking step, but it helps if you want a silky consistency. - Adjust the Heat Level
Green chiles can vary in heat depending on the type, so taste your chili before blending and adjust as needed. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes. If you want it spicy, leave them in or add a jalapeño for extra heat! - Add Lime Zest for a Fresh Twist
Don’t skip the lime zest! It adds extra brightness and freshness, perfectly balancing the creamy richness. A little zest can significantly improve the flavor. - Make It Ahead for Deeper Flavor
Like many sauces, this creamy green chili sauce tastes even better the next day. Make a batch ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to use it. - Thin It Out or Thicken It Up
If your sauce is too thick, add a little more water or a splash of olive oil to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too runny, blend in more soaked cashews or cooked, pureed vegetables like onions or peppers to thicken it without sacrificing flavor.
With these tips, you’ll be able to master this creamy, zesty green chili sauce and customize it to your taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my chili sauce?
To make your chili sauce, blend chili peppers with ingredients like garlic, vinegar, and sweeteners. For a creamy version, add nuts such as cashews or yogurt to create a smoother texture.
What is a good substitute for chili sauce?
If you’re out of chili sauce, try using salsa Verde or a combination of hot sauce and tomato paste for a similar flavor profile.
How to thicken homemade chili sauce?
If your homemade chili sauce is too thin, add a thickening agent such as cornstarch, pureed vegetables, or more nuts to achieve the desired consistency.
What is the difference between salsa Verde and chili sauce?
Salsa Verde usually includes green tomatoes and tomatillos, whereas chili sauce is made with different kinds of chili peppers. Chili sauce generally has a hotter, more intense flavor.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
Creamy Green Chili Sauce is a handy recipe to keep. Whether you put it on tacos, in enchiladas, or use it as a chip dip, it’s sure to add a creamy, citrusy flavor to any dish.
I’ve found it’s the type of sauce you start making and keep going because, first, the flavor really knocks my socks off, and second, you can’t do it all in one day.
It’s perfect for drizzling over chicken thighs or stirring into any pasta you love, and it offers all the effort of pesto without peeling or the long processing time of a food processor. Don’t wait – try it yourself and see how it lifts your everyday meals!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the ingredients: Start by roasting or charring your green chili pepper (you can do this on a stovetop or in an oven). If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds and stems from the pepper before using it.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted chili pepper, minced garlic, soaked cashews, pink salt, water, and lime juice (don’t forget to add the zest for an extra burst of flavor!). Blend everything on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Taste your sauce and feel free to adjust the seasoning. If it needs more heat, add a little more chili. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more water, or even a splash of olive oil for extra richness.
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