Zesty Spicy Citrus Sauce
Elevate your HCG protocol meals with this Zesty Spicy Citrus Sauce, designed to complement your favorite proteins. This vibrant and flavorful sauce combines the zestiness of fresh oranges and lemons with a touch of heat from cayenne, making it perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. Not only does it serve as a delectable enhancement to your entree, but it also makes an irresistible dipping sauce for veggies or shrimp. Best of all, it counts as one fruit serving, aligning perfectly with the HCG diet principles. Enjoy the bright flavors and health benefits of this gourmet sauce, inspired by The HCG Diet Cookbook Gourmet Success.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange
1/2 (with rind)
Lemon
1/2 (with rind)
Water
1/2 cup
Green onion
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
Orange zest
1 pinch
Lemon zest
1 pinch
Cayenne
1 pinch
Stevia
4 drops
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the orange and lemon with their peels and 1/2 cup of water.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
3
As it simmers, watch the mixture closely, adding additional water as necessary to prevent it from drying out.
4
Continue simmering until the pulp is soft and separates from the rinds. Carefully scrape the pulp from the rinds and discard the rinds.
5
Increase the heat slightly to reduce the liquid until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring frequently.
6
Once reduced, stir in the finely chopped green onion, stevia, and the remaining spices: ginger powder, garlic powder, orange zest, lemon zest, and a pinch of cayenne.
7
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving over your choice of protein or as a dip.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Citrus Sauce?
It is a vibrant, flavorful sauce that combines orange, lemon, and spices to enhance HCG protocol meals.
Is this sauce HCG diet compliant?
Yes, it is specifically designed to align with HCG diet principles and fits within the protocol.
How many fruit servings does this recipe count as?
This sauce counts as one fruit serving for those following the HCG diet.
What are the best proteins to pair with this sauce?
It is perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce?
Yes, it makes an irresistible dipping sauce for vegetables or shrimp.
How do I prepare the citrus for the sauce?
You use 1/2 of an orange and 1/2 of a lemon, including their rinds, and boil them in water.
What should I do with the citrus rinds after simmering?
Once the pulp is soft and separates, scrape the pulp from the rinds and then discard the rinds.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Increase the heat slightly after removing the rinds and reduce the liquid until it reaches your desired consistency.
What provides the heat in this recipe?
The spicy kick comes from a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is there any sugar in the Zesty Spicy Citrus Sauce?
No, it uses 4 drops of stevia to provide sweetness without adding sugar.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The recipe includes ginger powder, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it calls for one minced garlic clove in addition to garlic powder.
When do I add the green onions?
Stir in the finely chopped green onions after the liquid has reduced and thickened.
How much water do I need to start?
The recipe begins with 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan.
What if the liquid dries out while simmering?
You should watch the mixture closely and add additional water as necessary to prevent it from drying out.
Do I need to add zest separately?
Yes, the recipe calls for a pinch of both orange zest and lemon zest to be added at the end.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your personal heat preference.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This gourmet sauce is inspired by 'The HCG Diet Cookbook Gourmet Success'.
How many ingredients are in the Zesty Spicy Citrus Sauce?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the water and spices.
Does this sauce contain any fat?
No, this sauce is fat-free, making it ideal for low-fat dietary protocols.
How do I know when the citrus is ready to be scraped?
The citrus is ready when the pulp is soft and easily separates from the rinds.
Can I store leftovers of this sauce?
Yes, it can be refrigerated and served later, though it is best enjoyed fresh or slightly cooled.
What temperature should I use to boil the mixture?
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low for simmering.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this sauce is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use bottled citrus juice instead?
The recipe relies on boiling the fruit with the rind to extract pulp and flavor, so fresh fruit is recommended.
How much ginger is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder.
What is the role of stevia in this sauce?
Stevia acts as a calorie-free sweetener to balance the tartness of the citrus and the heat of the cayenne.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Should the sauce be served hot or cold?
It is typically served after cooling slightly, either warm over proteins or at room temperature as a dip.