Do you want an Easy Homemade Tomato Herb Butter Recipe For Bread? Ever find yourself with lots and lots of cherry tomatoes? Well, if you find yourself trying to think of creative ways to use up those herbs and a bunch of cherry tomatoes, this Tomato Herb Butter recipe is for you.
Tomato butter takes a pint of cherry tomatoes and combines it with unsalted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs to make fresh and flavorful compound butter for fresh bread. After reading this article you will want to make your own homemade butter all the time.
In this article, I will discuss why you will love making this easy recipe, the ingredients in this recipe, the simple steps to making this recipe, how to use it, and a bit more about why compound butter should be a kitchen staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful: Tomato butter is a way to enhance the flavor of dishes.
Quick: This recipe can be thrown together under 15 minutes. It just takes a little time for the flavors to meld together in the fridge or freezer.
Easy: Compound butters are easy to work with. Once prepared, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer and simply slice off a chunk. Add it to hot foods and watch it melt evenly over top.
Versatile: One of the magical things about compound butter, is its ability to be customized according to your flavor preferences. In this recipe, I add oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper but you can mix and match ingredients like thyme, rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, and olives.
Seasonal: Summer and Autumn seasons are the best time to make tomato butter. Take that haul of farmer’s market tomatoes you gathered in August and make some tomato butter!
Tools
A Piece of parchment paper, plastic wrap, wax paper, or a small bowl
Measuring utensils
Baking Sheet
Food Processor
Rubber spatula
Ingredients
This homemade garlic herb butter comes together with just a few ingredients, making it a flavorful addition to your kitchen staples.
Besides a stick of butter, this homemade garlic herb butter requires just 5 ingredients.
Tomatoes
Fresh Garlic cloves – in a pinch you could use garlic powder
Dried herbs such as oregano – (or substitute with fresh herbs)
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Step-By-Step Instructions for Tomato Garlic Herb Compound Butter
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Adjust your oven rack to the closest position under the broiler and preheat the broiler.
Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet and broil for 6-9 minutes, until the skins start to brown and wrinkle.
Allow the broiled tomatoes to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Herbed Butter
Once the tomatoes have cooled, combine them with the softened butter, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined, about 30-60 seconds.
For a touch of spice, add red pepper flakes and pulse a few more times.
Step 3: Shape and Store
Transfer the soft butter mixture to a small bowl or shape it into a log using plastic wrap.
Chill in the refrigerator until firm, then enjoy as desired.
How to Use This Compound Butter Recipe
This versatile compound butter can elevate a wide range of dishes. One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is by spreading it generously over a slice of warm, crusty bread.
But don’t stop there—this flavorful butter can also be used as a delicious condiment for:
Roasted chicken or tofu: Add a rich, herbaceous finish.
Baked sweet potatoes and roasted vegetables: Infuse them with savory goodness.
Boiled corn: Turn simple corn into a mouthwatering side dish.
Cooked rice and grains: Stir in for a burst of flavor.
You can even incorporate this compound butter into your cooking process—use it to sauté, baste, or melt over your favorite dishes for an extra layer of flavor.
More Herb Butter Recipes
Compound butter is a mixture of butter and other ingredients like herbs, spices, seasonings, and at times even fruits or vegetables. Homemade Herb butter is versatile and used to enhance the flavors of dishes.
Garlic and Green Onion
Chive Butter
Lemon Herb – Use any combination of herbs you like. I love thyme, oregano, and tarragon. Use lemon zest for even more lemony flavor.
Fresh Herb Butter – I love picking herbs from my herb garden!
This Vegan Coleslaw Recipe is the ultimate summer side dish. Moreover, it is the perfect for pairing for beans, tacos, and veggie burgers at your next summer cookout.
I prefer creamy coleslaw over vinegar-based versions, and this recipe fits the bill. By using coconut yogurt, I cut calories without sacrificing flavor, and the addition of citrus and herbs elevates the taste.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Coleslaw Recipe
Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and even easier to prepare.
Versatility: Pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Plant-Based: Dairy and egg-free, making it suitable for everyone.
Perfect for Groups: An ideal choice when cooking for a crowd.
This recipe offers a fresh take on traditional vegan coleslaw, making it a go-to favorite!
Cabbage Salad Ingredients
Bag of Coleslaw Mix: You can either use a store-bought coleslaw mix or make your own. For this recipe, I use green cabbage and carrots but feel free to experiment with other classic slaw ingredients like red cabbage, purple cabbage, or the crunchy white leaves from a napa cabbage. For a twist, try adding some shredded kale.
Corn: I typically use low-sodium canned corn, rinsed under cold water, but fresh or frozen corn works just as well. My absolute favorite is fresh corn on the cob, especially leftover from a previous meal. To prep corn on the cob, I slice off the kernels with a sharp knife on a cutting board. To minimize accidents, I like to break the cob in half, reducing the risk of corn slipping while cutting.
Onion:In this slaw, I prefer using spring onions. The mild, fresh flavor of the green onion complements the salad without overwhelming it. If you prefer, you can substitute with chives or red onion for a different flavor profile.
Jalapeños: I love the combination of spice and fresh flavor that jalapeños bring to this dish. If you prefer a milder slaw, you can swap out the jalapeños for poblano peppers, or for a more colorful and even milder option, use red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers.
Note on Chopping Hot Peppers
After removing the seeds from the jalapeños, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly—like you just touched the dirtiest doorknob on earth! Scrub around and underneath your fingernails while singing “Happy Birthday” to yourself. This prevents the unpleasant experience of accidentally rubbing your eyes with capsaicin-covered fingers—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. Alternatively, you can use kitchen gloves for added safety.
Optional Ingredient: Sunflower Seeds
Add some sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch and a boost of flavor.
Vegan Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients
When it comes to creamy salad dressings, yogurt-based options are my favorite, especially for a fresh and flavorful coleslaw. Homemade dressings are unbeatable in quality and taste, and this one is no exception.
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
Coconut Yogurt: For this Vegan Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw dressing, I use coconut yogurt, like the brand Cocojune. It adds a rich, creamy base with a subtle coconut flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Vegan Mayonnaise: Essential for achieving that classic, creamy coleslaw texture. It blends seamlessly with the coconut yogurt, enhancing the richness of the dressing.
Date Syrup: Made from pure dates, date syrup adds a natural sweetness that beautifully complements the spiciness of the jalapeño. If you don’t have date syrup on hand, pure maple syrup or brown sugar are great alternatives.
Lime: Lime juice pairs wonderfully with cilantro, corn, and jalapeños, adding a zesty brightness to the dressing. If you don’t have lime, extra vinegar or lemon juice will work as substitutes.
Vinegar: I prefer using apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar for a tangy kick that elevates the flavor of the coleslaw. The acidity balances the creaminess of the yogurt and mayo.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste. Start with a small amount, and adjust after tasting the dressing. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper later if needed, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
Optional Ingredient: Dijon Mustard
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bit of Dijon mustard. It introduces a subtle sharpness that complements the other ingredients.
Prepping the Vegetables for This Creamy Vegan Coleslaw
To prepare the vegetables for this slaw, I rely on a combination of tools: a food processor, a sharp knife, and a cutting board.
For the cabbage and carrots, I use the shredding blade attachment on my food processor. This method creates perfectly shredded cabbage and carrots, giving the slaw an ideal texture and mouthfeel.
No Food Processor? No Problem!
If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make this slaw just as delicious. Before I owned one, I regularly made this recipe for various occasions. You can use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board to shred the veggies. For the carrots, a vegetable peeler works wonderfully to create thin ribbons or strips. Once peeled, I like to give the carrot strips a rough chop for a bit of texture.
Even when using a food processor for the cabbage and carrots, I still prefer to chop the remaining vegetables (like green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños) by hand with a knife. This gives me better control over the size and shape of the pieces, ensuring a balanced mix in every bite. I also like to include the jalapeño seeds for an extra kick of heat.
Once all the vegetables are prepped, simply toss them together in a large bowl, and your slaw is ready to go!
How To Make This Easy Vegan Coleslaw Recipe
After prepping your veggies, this recipe comes together in 4 easy steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, carrot, corn, spring onions, fresh cilantro, and jalapeno.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut yogurt, vegan mayo, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, date syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Optional Toppings:
Add some toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch or garnish with more fresh cilantro
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-5 days. In fact, this recipe stores exceptionally well; the flavors continue to develop and meld together over time, making the slaw even more delicious the next day.
If you’re planning ahead, feel free to make it in advance—the flavors will be even more vibrant when it’s time to serve!
Pairings For Homemade Coleslaw
This Coconut Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw brings a fresh twist to traditional coleslaw, making it a versatile and delightful side dish for various meals. I often whip up this recipe when I have an abundance of fresh cabbage—it’s the ideal complement to a wide range of plant-based and non-plant-based dishes.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this slaw:
Tofu or Plant-Based Tacos: Add a refreshing crunch to your tacos with this slaw, and don’t forget to pair it with a batch of my Watermelon Strawberry Margarita recipe!
Black Bean Burgers: This is the perfect side dish for some black bean burgers or other vegan burgers.
Vegan Side Dish Extravaganza: Make it a side dish dinner by pairing this slaw with other vegan favorites like vegan potato salad and my Black Bean Mango Salad.
BBQ Tofu or Jackfruit Sandwiches: The bright flavors of this slaw are a perfect match for the smoky, savory notes of BBQ tofu or jackfruit sandwiches.
Bean Burritos: Tuck some of this slaw into a bean burrito for a burst of freshness.
Nothing is quite like this Easy Coconut Rice in Rice Cooker recipe. It is creamy, savory, and a perfect side dish. I especially love this fluffy rice paired with a bean salad – see my Black Bean and Mango Salad recipe.
Let’s review the simple ingredients, the simple instructions, and the oh-so-simple ways you can serve and eat this Easy Coconut Rice recipe.
With just 4 ingredients, this coconut rice is undeniably simple yet so delicious.
Rice: I use plain jasmine rice in this recipe. The long-grain rice provides a fluffier texture. If you do not have any long-grain rice on hand feel free to substitute basmati rice or plain white rice. In a pinch, you can use brown rice as well for a nuttier flavor profile. Short-grain rice works well for a sticky rice dessert. Basmati rice works well with an Indian-inspired dish such as Indian coconut rice as a curry complement.
Coconut Milk: For this recipe, use unsweetened coconut milk. Be sure to use canned full-fat coconut milk or even coconut cream.
Cold Water: The water in this recipe cooks and adds moisture to the rice. 100% coconut milk would be too creamy! You could also use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or chicken stock.
Optional Coconut Flakes: This is the only optional ingredient. The oven-toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the dish.
Other Optional Additions:
Sugar, for a slightly sweet flavor
Lime zest, fresh lime juice, and cilantro for cilantro lime rice with coconut.
How to Make Easy Fluffy Coconut Milk Rice
The rice cooker is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. Note, some pressure cookers have a rice cooker setting!
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Rice Cooker
Place the rinsed rice into the rice cooker.
Add the coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using).
Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the “cook” setting. Let the rice cooker do its job. It will automatically switch to the “keep warm” setting once the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: (Optional) Toast the Coconut in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coconut is golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is finished cooking, open the lid and fluff the coconut rice with a fork and serve.
How to Serve and Eat this Coconut Rice
Incorporated in a Salad
Add this recipe over a bed of lettuce and other veggies like grilled peppers and onions, or sliced tomatoes.
As a Dinner Side
Easy Coconut rice can be enjoyed as a great side dish. Try it with a tropical dish like my Black Bean and Mango Salad (pictured above and below) and/or Grilled Shrimp recipes.
As a Curry Compliment
Try this simple rice recipe with a Thai Curry or yellow curry powder base recipe.
In a stir fry
Take leftovers and make the most delicious savory coconut rice stir fry or fried rice.
Dessert
Still, this Easy Coconut Rice recipe is so versatile it can even be enjoyed as a dessert! Top this recipe with fresh fruit and shredded toasted coconut or nuts—option to drizzle with maple syrup or honey and garnish with mint.
Yet, another dessert option is to combine delicious coconut rice with some sweetened vanilla coconut milk for an easy Vanilla Coconut Rice Pudding.
Want More Recipes?
I hope you enjoy reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it! Below are some more tasty recipes I enjoy.
This simple Easy Coconut Rice in Rice Cooker recipe pairs well with so many sides and entrees. Likewise, I enjoy eating this recipe as a snack and/or dessert!
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Rice Cooker
Place the rinsed rice into the rice cooker.
Add the coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using).
Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the "cook" setting. Let the rice cooker do its job. It will automatically switch to the "keep warm" setting once the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: (Optional) Toast the Coconut in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coconut is golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is finished cooking, open the lid and fluff the coconut rice with a fork and serve.
Notes
Jasmine rice cooks at a 1½ :1 ratio of water to rice.If using a rice cooker, follow rice cooker's directions for cooking Jasmine rice. If making a different type of rice like sushi the water to grain ratio changes. For instance, for sushi rice I recommend using 1 cup water 1 cup coconut milk and 2 cup sushi rice due to the 1:1 ratio of rice to water.
Easy Chunky Blue Cheese Dip Recipe with Tarragon: Perfect For Chicken Wings
This Blue Cheese Dip Recipe is for blue cheese lovers. Enjoy this homemade chunky blue cheese dip with some appetizers on game day!
This recipe has simple ingredients and my homemade version is healthier and tastier than store-bought options.
I often serve this creamy blue cheese dip with some air fryer spicy buffalo wings, celery, and carrot sticks. Additionally, I make extra dressing for sandwiches, salads, and grain bowl lunches later in the week.
Ingredients in this Blue Cheese Dip with Tarragon
This creamy dip makes a delicious salad dressing for a wedge salad or dip. It pairs well with hot wings, fresh veggies such as celery sticks, andbell pepper, andeven a topper for burgers!
Blue Cheese: Blue Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. Have you ever heard of Roquefort cheese? Roquefort is a very strong, bold, and tangy blue cheese that might not appeal to everybody but I love it.
Tarragon: For a more tarragon taste throughout, increase from 1 tbsp to 2 tbsp. Make sure the Tarragon is smashed into a paste or you will have chunks of the herb and it might provide an unpleasant mouth feel against the creamy cheese and dressing.
Mayo: I recommend using your favorite mayo as the base of this dressing.
Greek Yogurt: In this recipe, you can use sour cream or whole milk Greek yogurt. For a lighter version, use 2% Greek yogurt.
Fresh Lemon Juice: The lemon acts as the acid, the bite, and the tang in this dressing. Don’t have lemon, bottled lemon juice is okay too, or even white vinegar.
Fresh Garlic: Garlic is an ingredient that can be adjusted in the recipe. Like extra garlic? Go for it! Add a little more to bump up the garlic in this dip.
Optional: Hot Sauce: For a Hot Blue Cheese dip
Optional garnishes: Green onion, fresh parsley, or other herbs.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic, Salt, and Tarragon
Mortar and Pestle Method: If you have a mortar and pestle, add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and chopped tarragon to it. Then, grind them together until they form a paste.
Easier Option: If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, finely mince the garlic and tarragon together on a cutting board. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the mixture and use the side of your knife to mash them slightly, creating a paste-like consistency.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients In a medium bowl, add the crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and the garlic-tarragon paste from Step 1.
Step 3: Mix Until Smooth Use a fork or a rubber spatula to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. You can leave some chunks of blue cheese if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Step 4: Season Taste the dip and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Adjust to your preference.
Step 5: Chill and Serve For the best flavor, cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the dip with your favorite vegetables, crackers, or wings. It also works well as a spread for sandwiches or burgers.
How To Use This Recipe
This homemade blue cheese dip is not just the perfect dip for football games. It is excellent as an easy blue cheese dip recipe for:
Veggies and dip
Burger toppings
Sandwich spread
Wing dip
Potato chip, crackers, or tortilla chip dip
Salad and grain bowl dressing
How To Store This Recipe
This recipe stores well in a mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.
More On Tarragon
There are multiple types of Tarragon. The two types I am most familiar with are Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) and French Tarragon (artemisia dracunculus var saliva). Did you know, that both of these herbs are in the daisy family?
How to Use Tarragon in Cooking
Tarragon goes especially well with poultry. French Tarragon is the more flavorful herb often used in cooking. It has a pungent flavor similar to anise and fennel. It’s essentially similar to licorice.
Many associate the taste of tarragon with the taste of aroma and use it to make wonderful tarragon vinegar.
I enjoy using Tarragon in dishes like
Egg dishes, especially buttery scrambled eggs
With Roasted chicken, pork, or fish
In an Herb Pesto
Mixed in with olive oil
For more about Tarragon check out Food52 and Almanac’s website.
Mortar and Pestle Method: If you have a mortar and pestle, add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and chopped tarragon to it. Then, grind them together until they form a paste.Easier Option: If you don't have a mortar and pestle, finely mince the garlic and tarragon together on a cutting board. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the mixture and use the side of your knife to mash them slightly, creating a paste-like consistency.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and the garlic-tarragon paste from Step 1.
Step 3: Mix Until Smooth
Use a fork or a rubber spatula to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. You can leave some chunks of blue cheese if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Step 4: Season
Taste the dip and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Adjust to your preference.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the dip with your favorite vegetables, crackers, or wings. It also works well as a spread for sandwiches or burgers.
I love to make this Peruvian green sauce recipe inspired by Aji Verde Sauce!
My recipe is not traditional but inspired by the delicious Aji Verde Sauce. I love the green color of this recipe, thefresh flavor, and the creamy texture.
I enjoy making this recipe in the summer and fall when I have lots of peppers. I ask myself, what can I do with all of these, from hot sauce to salsa to green sauce I am always looking for new saucy ways to use my peppers!
My Love For Sauce
I enjoy it with so many different such as my Air Fryer Tofu and Air Fryer Okra recipes.
I’ll make this sauce/dip and have leftovers. This sauce can bump up a burrito, oven-roasted chicken thighs, salad, oven-roasted french fries, roasted sweet potatoes, and even a spicy kick for ramen noodles.
Now, this Roasted Poblano Pepper Sauce is a bit more advanced than a quick 5-minute salad dressing. However, I promise it is still super easy. You can make this dipping sauce for many different foods and impress your family, friends, and loved ones with your cool sauce skills!
Tools
Food Processor or high-powered blender
Baking sheet
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Key Ingredients: Chili Peppers
I use green chile peppers for this spicy sauce.
Poblano Peppers: Poblano Peppers, are the star of this sauce. They are flavorful and mild peppers, similar to bell peppers. If you want a spicier poblano, let it ripen up to a red color!
Jalapeno peppers: This is the little zing to this sauce. You could go a little hotter if you would like by adding a habanero rather than my favorite, jalapenos.
Other Peppers: Do you have other green peppers such as serrano peppers or banana peppers? You can roast and use them in this sauce!
Other Ingredients
Green Herbs: You can go crazy with the possibilities of herbs with this sauce. I used cilantro leaves for this spicy green sauce.
Red Vine Vinegar: I use a little for a bit of tang and acid.
Greek Yogurt: Greek Yogurt is the touch of creaminess that makes this sauce heavenly. I use Greek Yogurt rather than mayonnaise to lower the fat and bump up the protein without sacrificing flavor.
Optional add-ins: You can add in green onions, garlic clove, and citruses such as fresh lime juice, lime zest, or lemon juice.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Roast Peppers
Preheat oven to 450 ℉ and move the rack to the top 1/3 of the oven.
Place cut poblano pepper and jalapeno peppers onto a baking sheet. Option to remove the ribs and seeds for a less spicy sauce.
Roast peppers for 5 to 10 minutes or until skin is wrinkled and charred.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted poblano pepper, cilantro, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, cumin (optional to include Aji Amarillo paste).
Step 3: Season and Adjust Consistency
Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature with your favorite dishes!
How To Use This Recipe
There are many ways you can use this delicious Peruvian green sauce recipe.
The perfect dipping sauce: Use this for french fries, roasted sweet potatoes, or tofu bites.
A sauce to smother a flavorful Peruvian chicken recipe: For example, this New York Times Cooking Recipe Peruvian Roasted Chicken.
Great platings: Use this sauce to dress up a plate with roasted veggies like potatoes, broccoli, and red onion, and top it with salty cheeses like cotija cheese.
How To Store This Recipe
This recipe is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and three months in the freezer.
Fun Facts: Peppers & Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a molecular compound found in spicy peppers. Capsaicin causes that burning sensation on the tissue it comes in contact with, and yes, this includes your skin!
Most capsaicin is found in the white pith that attaches the seeds to the walls of the pepper. Capsaicin can have a lovely impact on metabolism, pain, and even, pests in the garden! Thereupon, let’s review those a little further.
Metabolism
Research has shown Capsaicin can boost metabolism and suppress appetite in humans. Research has shown Capsaicin seems to raise body temperature which in turn uses up more energy for the body.
Pepper as a Pain Fighter
Yes, the capsaicin found in peppers is a natural pain reliever when applied to the skin. Research has shown capsaicin depletes a chemical released by cells in the body that indicates pain. Capsaicin is a common ingredient in creams and balms used to treat arthritis, back pain, and post-surgery pain.
Capsaicin and Those Garden Pests
The capsaicin found in peppers can help deter garden pests like rabbits, deer, and squirrels. How? it’s all about the birds.
Birds are insensitive to capsaicin. You can add pepper seeds to bird seeds. Doing this deters rodents from rummaging through your garden. Because mammals are sensitive to capsaicin, peppers can be used as a pesticide to deter our furry friends from eating up our gardens!
Preheat oven to 450 ℉ and move the rack to the top 1/3 of the oven.
Place cut poblano pepper and jalapeno peppers onto a baking sheet. Option to remove the ribs and seeds for a less spicy sauce.
Roast peppers for 5 to 10 minutes or until skin is wrinkled and charred.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted poblano pepper, cilantro, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, cumin. (optional Aji Amarillo paste)
Step 3: Season and Adjust Consistency
Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature with your favorite dishes!
