Plain talk on food & health Education, not medical advice
Remedy No. 3 · Dips & Dressings

Ranch Style Dip

Super easy, and far cheaper than a packet with non-food additives.

2 spoons
Sour cream topped with dill, paprika and spices, ready to stir

This is super easy, and much less expensive than a packet that also contains non-food additives. PLUS, once you’re comfortable with the basic blend, you can make it your own.

My own additions: a wee bit of cayenne, just enough to barely be tasted, and a bit of paprika, which gives a nice savory base to the bright taste of the dill.

How to read this recipe

Each step sits next to the ingredients it uses, and moves further right as the cook goes on.

A heavy line is a safe place to stop and rest.

A dashed line starts an optional part.

Rest Safe to stop Don’t stop here tell you when you can take a break.

Standing or Can sit, and a time, show what a step asks of you.

Tick Done as you go. Your ticks stay on this device, so you can come back to where you left off.

Everything you’ll need (10 ingredients)
  • Parsley 1 part
  • Onion powder 1 part
  • Onion flakes or chives 1 part
  • Salt 1 part (more if coarse)
  • Garlic powder ½ part
  • Black pepper ½ part (more if coarse)
  • Dill 2 parts
  • 16 oz sour cream or plain yogurt
  • Plain cream or milk to thin sour cream, or a little water to thin yogurt
  • Cayenne, paprika or dried chives to taste

Equipment & Tools

BowlLarge enough for the amount you want to make.
Little bowl or jarFor the spice blend.
SpatulaFor getting the sour cream out of its container.
Fork, spoon or small spatulaTo stir the dip.

The Blend and the Dip

Kitchen counter or table
  • Parsley 1 part
  • Onion powder 1 part
  • Onion flakes or chives 1 part
  • Salt 1 part (more if coarse)
  • Garlic powder ½ part
  • Black pepper ½ part (more if coarse)
  • Dill 2 parts

Standing

Assemble the spices all in one place.

Safe to stop Possible stopping point.

Standing

Mix up the spices in a little bowl. Add whatever seems to need more, by smell.

Safe to stop Possible stopping point. Make a jar of blend ahead and shake it before using: heavier spices settle.

  • 16 oz sour cream or plain yogurt
  • Plain cream or milk to thin sour cream, or a little water to thin yogurt

Standing

Mix about 2 tbsp of the blend into the sour cream (or yogurt).

Rest Let it sit at least an hour, but no more than 4 hours at room temperature. Room temp is best, so the onion flakes soak up moisture.

  • Cayenne, paprika or dried chives to taste

Can sit

Stir and taste. A little cayenne gives it a nip; dried chives give a milder, slightly different onion flavor.

Safe to stop Done. Into the fridge.

Quick Reference Card

The short version, for once you’re comfortable with the recipe. Print it on its own and keep it by the stove.

Ranch Style Dip
  1. Blend: equal parts parsley, onion powder, onion flakes or chives, and salt. ½ part garlic powder and black pepper. 2 parts dill.
  2. Options: a little cayenne or paprika, added when you make the dip.
  3. Mix about 2 tbsp of blend into 16 oz sour cream, yogurt, labneh or crème fraîche.
  4. Rest at least 30 min. Taste, and add more if wanted.
  5. Thin with cream, milk or buttermilk to make a dressing.
  • Season by smell
  • Keep a jar of blend; shake before using
johnnybquacker.com/recipes/ranch-dip
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