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German Sour Cream and Dill Sauce

This simple German sour cream and dill sauce combines tangy sour cream with fresh dill, lemon, and a touch of sweetness. It's a quick, no-cook condiment perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes with its refreshing and balanced flavor profile and takes minimal time to prepare.
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Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American, central europe
Servings 3 people
Calories 260.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk (or spoon)
  • 1 Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Chef's knife for chopping fresh dill
  • 1 Cutting Board for chopping fresh dill

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill or frozen and thawed dill
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice or lime
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sweetener such as agave nectar, sugar, or honey
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 dash freshly ground pepper or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients and ensure fresh dill is finely chopped if using.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and your chosen sweetener.
  • Add the salt and a dash of freshly ground pepper.
  • Using a whisk or spoon, thoroughly combine all ingredients until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the amounts of lemon juice, sweetener, salt, or pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30-60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
  • Before serving, give the sauce another quick stir.
  • Serve chilled as a versatile accompaniment to fish, potatoes, or salads.

Notes

Achieving the perfect balance of sweet and tangy is key for this sauce; start with the lower amount of sweetener and lemon juice, then adjust to your preference. Fresh dill offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor than frozen, so use it if possible. Allow the sauce to chill for at least 30-60 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. This sauce is incredibly versatile, excellent with grilled fish, boiled potatoes, smoked salmon (gravlax), or as a dressing for cucumber salad. For a deeper savory note, consider a tiny pinch of garlic powder. Always taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon, sweetener) before the final chill.