Steps by steps Chili Almond Dressing

Chili Almond Dressing is a piquant and nutty condiment that brings a flavorful twist to salads and dishes seeking a little heat with a creamy touch. This dressing combines the rich, smooth taste of almonds with the fiery zest of chili peppers, creating a harmonious balance of heat and nuttiness. The almond base, which can be made from either almond butter or soaked and blended raw almonds, provides a creamy texture that’s further enhanced by the inclusion of plant-based milk like almond milk to achieve the desired consistency.

A dash of vinegar or lemon juice adds bright acidity to cut through the richness, while additional ingredients such as garlic and sweeteners like dates or maple syrup can be used to round out the flavor profile. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and perhaps a hint of smoked paprika could enrich the dressing with depth and complexity.

Perfect for drizzling over robust greens, using as a dip for crudités, or as a lively sauce for grain bowls and noodles, Chili Almond Dressing is not only vegan but also offers an exciting alternative for those looking to add a healthy and spicy kick to their meals. With its simple yet bold flavors, it invites experimentation and can be tailored to the heat preference of any palate, making it a versatile staple in the plant-based culinary toolkit.

Chili Almond Dressing Recipe

Chili Almond Dressing

Chili Almond Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful vegan condiment that combines the rich, creamy taste of almonds with a spicy kick from chili peppers. The base of the dressing is typically made from either almond butter or soaked and blended raw almonds, which is then emulsified with plant-based milk to achieve a silky consistency. Acidity is introduced through vinegar or lemon juice, and for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness, natural sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup can be added to balance out the flavors.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine French

Servings 16 serving

Calories 105 kcal

Equipment

• 1 bowl
• 1 high powered blender

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup natural almond butter
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 inch knob fresh ginger peeled
• 1 tbsp. low sodium tamari
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 pitted medjool date
• 1 small chili pepper
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

 

• Combine all the ingredients in bowl of a mini food processor or high powered blender and blend or process until smooth.
• Serve on salad of choice. Store any leftover dressing in and air tight container with a lid and keep in the fridge, use within a week.

Keyword fresh lemon juice, natural almond butter

Cooking Tips about Chili Almond Dressing

• Choose Your Almond Base: Decide whether to use raw almonds, which should be soaked and then blended until smooth, or almond butter for ease and convenience. Both options provide a rich, nutty base for the dressing.
• Find the Right Heat: Select your preferred type of chili based on the heat level you enjoy. This could be fresh chili peppers, chili flakes, or even a dash of chili powder. Add gradually and taste as you go to avoid making the dressing too spicy.
• Balance With Acidity: To cut through the richness of the almonds and the heat from the chili, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.
• Sweeten Naturally: If desired, balance the heat with a natural sweetener like honey (for non-strict vegans), maple syrup, or dates to add subtle sweetness without refined sugars.
• Emulsify for Consistency: Ensure that all ingredients are well-emulsified by blending thoroughly. If you’re using almond butter, this step helps to prevent separation.
• Enhance Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a small amount of plant-based milk or water to achieve the desired consistency without diluting the flavor too much.
• Spice It Up: Try adding garlic or ginger for additional depth and a kick that complements the chili’s spiciness.
• Get Creative with Additional Flavors: Experiment with adding other ingredients such as smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of cinnamon to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always season with salt and pepper last. After blending, taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dressing to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using it to let the flavors meld together.

Serving suggestion about Chili Almond Dressing

Create a vibrant and crunchy slaw using shredded cabbage, julienne carrots, red bell pepper strips, and chopped scallions. Toss the vegetables with a generous amount of Chili Almond Dressing to coat them well. The creamy and spicy dressing will bring an exciting kick to the slaw, perfect as a standalone salad or as a side dish to accompany grilled tofu or tempeh. Garnish with toasted almond flakes and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch and a nutty finish.

This robust dressing can transform an ordinary salad into a zesty and lively dish, making it a fantastic choice for those who want a healthy and flavorful kick in their meal. Enjoy experimenting with the Chili Almond Dressing; its versatility makes it a handy companion for various culinary creations!

Top 5 FAQs about Chili Almond Dressing

• What is Chili Almond Dressing and how is it used? Chili Almond Dressing is a vegan-friendly dressing consisting of a creamy blend of almonds or almond butter with the spicy kick of chili peppers. It can be used to add flavor to salads, as a dip for vegetables, or as a sauce for grain bowls and noodle dishes.
• Is Chili Almond Dressing suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes, Chili Almond Dressing is made with plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegans. However, individuals with nut allergies should avoid it due to its almond content. Always check all the ingredients used to ensure they meet any other specific dietary needs you may have.
• How do I make Chili Almond Dressing from scratch? To make Chili Almond Dressing, start with either soaked and blended raw almonds or almond butter as the base. Add plant-based milk to achieve the desired consistency, then mix in acidity from vinegar or lemon juice. Include garlic and your choice of chili for heat, and sweeten with dates or maple syrup if preferred. Blend until smooth and season to taste.
• Can I adjust the spiciness of the dressing to my preference? Absolutely! The level of heat in the dressing can be controlled by the amount and type of chili used. Start with a small amount and taste frequently, adding more until you reach the desired spiciness.
• How should I store Chili Almond Dressing and how long does it last? Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to a week. If the dressing separates upon storage, simply give it a good stir or blend again before serving.

In conclusion, Chili Almond Dressing is an exciting and versatile addition to any culinary repertoire, particularly for those pursuing a vegan lifestyle or interested in plant-based foods. It strikes a delightful balance between the creamy, nutty base of almonds and the zestful, fiery punch of chili peppers. The dressing’s complexity is further enriched by the inclusion of acidic elements like vinegar or lemon juice, which provide brightness, while natural sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup add a touch of sweetness to counteract the heat.

With additional flavor enhancers such as garlic, spices, and herbs, this dressing can be fine-tuned to suit individual tastes, ranging from mildly piquant to intensely spicy. Its creamy texture, achieved without any dairy products, demonstrates the versatility of almonds and makes it an excellent choice for drizzling over vibrant salads, using as a dip for crunchy veggies, or enhancing grain bowls.