Chili-Date Sauce Spicy Sweet Chili-Date Dipping Sauce Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small shallot, finely chopped 1 red chili, finely sliced (or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes) 8 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon salt Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or zest for brightness Directions: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic, shallot, and chili until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Add the chopped dates and water. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dates soften and begin to break down. Stir in apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and salt. Continue to simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed and add lemon juice if using. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 80 kcal (per 2 tbsp) | Servings: 1 cup (about 8 servings) #chilidatesauce #spicysweet #dippingsauce #veganrecipes #medjooldates #sauceinspo #easycondiments #homemadesauces #flavorboost #glutenfreesauce #sugarfreealternative #sweetheat #saucerecipe #tangyandsweet #naturalflavors #chilisauce #wholefoodcooking #mealprep #spicycondiment #umamiboost Meet your new favorite condiment: Chili-Date Sauce! A fiery, naturally sweet blend perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating!

Vietnamese Lemongrass Dipping Sauce Bright & Zesty Vietnamese Lemongrass Nuoc Cham Ingredients: 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely minced (white part only) 1/4 cup fish sauce 1/4 cup warm water 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon sugar 1 garlic clove, minced 1 red Thai chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste) 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for extra tang) 1 teaspoon grated carrot (optional for color and texture) Directions: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, warm water, sugar, and lime juice. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the minced lemongrass, garlic, chili, and rice vinegar if using. Mix well. Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with a touch of grated carrot before serving, if desired. Serve as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, spring rolls, noodles, or fresh vegetables. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 25 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: Makes about 3/4 cup (6 servings) #lemongrass #vietnamesefood #dippingsauce #nuoccham #vietnamesecuisine #lemongrasslove #vietnamesedip #saucefromscratch #asiancondiments #zestysauce #vietnameseflavors #freshsauces #vietnameseherbs #umamiboost #easyvietrecipes #lemongrassdip #spicydippingsauce #vietnamesegrill #authenticflavors #homemadesauces ✨ Bright, zesty, and packed with lemongrass flavor — this Vietnamese dipping sauce is perfect with grilled meats, spring rolls, and so much more! 🇻🇳🌿