Copycat Garlic Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 8 garlic cloves (peeled)
• 1 cup water (for boiling)
• 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil (or clarified unsalted butter)
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavor and takes the bite out of the garlic)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, helps stabilize and brighten flavor; can use up to 2 tsp (10 ml))

Steps

1. 1

   Place the 8 peeled garlic cloves into a small sauce pot.

2. 2

   Pour in 1 cup (125 ml) of water and turn the burner to high heat.

3. 3

   Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the liquid for a couple of minutes until only about a quarter cup of water remains and the garlic cloves have softened.

4. 4

   Transfer the softened garlic and the remaining boiling liquid into a tall container suitable for an immersion blender.

5. 5

   Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to the container.

6. 6

   Use an immersion blender to puree the garlic and liquid until completely smooth and well blended.

7. 7

   While the blender is running, slowly pour in 1/2 cup (125 ml) of extra virgin olive oil (or clarified butter) in a steady stream to emulsify the sauce.

8. 8

   Continue blending for a couple of minutes until the sauce is creamy and thickened.

9. 9

   Add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and pulse or blend briefly to incorporate.

10. 10

    Serve immediately as a dip for pizza, breadsticks, or wings.

Notes

The sugar is optional but highly recommended to take the sharp 'bite' out of the raw garlic flavor. If using butter instead of olive oil, ensure it is clarified and unsalted for the best texture and flavor control.

Nutrition per serving

• sauce
• dip
• copycat
• pizza
• garlic
• easy
• vegetarian
• condiment