Tsakhton Sauce

Let’s prepare Tsakhton, an authentic Ossetian sauce that’s a staple at Caucasian feasts. This sauce is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s recommended to consume it within a couple of days. The spiciness of Tsakhton Sauce can be adjusted to your taste – you can add more garlic and red pepper flakes, or simply use a pinch of black pepper.

Ingredients:

  • 100 ml sour cream (20% fat)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 5-6 sprigs of fresh herbs (dill, parsley, cilantro)
  • 1/3 tsp. khmeli-suneli
  • 1/3 tsp. ground coriander
  • A handful of walnuts
  • 3 pinches of salt

Instructions:

  1. Use sour cream with a fat content of about 20%. If possible, use matsoni, a fermented dairy product similar to yogurt. Peel and finely chop the garlic.
  2. Choose any fresh herbs you like, such as parsley and dill. Wash, dry, and finely chop them.
  3. Add spices like khmeli-suneli and ground coriander. For a spicier kick, add any type of chili pepper. Salt to taste. You can also add a pinch of ground dried adjika or fenugreek.
  4. Crack the walnuts and add the kernels to the bowl, chopping them slightly. You can also use walnuts.
  5. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and let the sauce sit for a while. Serve in a sauceboat or small bowl.

Tsakhton sauce is ready! Enjoy!