From the Heart of Romania: A Fiercely Creamy Garlic Sauce (Mujdei cu Smântână)
Details
A potent garlic sauce that's the soul of the Romanian table.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic
Peel all the garlic cloves. Using a mortar and pestle or a garlic press, crush the cloves with the coarse salt until you have a smooth, consistent paste. This step is crucial for releasing the garlic's essential oils.
Create the Emulsion
Transfer the garlic paste to a small bowl. Begin adding the sunflower oil, a few drops at a time, whisking vigorously and continuously as if you were making mayonnaise. The mixture will start to thicken and become a creamy, airy emulsion.
Fold in the Creaminess
Once the oil is fully incorporated, gently fold in the sour cream with a spoon until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
Season and Serve
Season with a touch of freshly ground black pepper and, if you like a tangier sauce, stir in the optional vinegar or lemon juice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Let the sauce sit for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld, then serve alongside grilled meats, fish, roasted vegetables, or simply with fresh bread.
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