Ingredients:

  • 350 g (12 oz) Low-fat Cottage Cheese
  • 120 mL (½ cup) Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 15 g (1 tbsp) Cornstarch
  • 7 g (½ tbsp) Unsalted Butter (or Olive Oil)
  • 60 g (¼ cup) White Onion, finely diced
  • 1 large clove (5 g) Garlic, minced
  • 1 small Jalapeño pepper, deseeded and minced
  • 5 mL (½ tsp) Cumin, ground
  • 5 mL (1 tsp) Chili Powder
  • 5 mL (½ tsp) Smoked Paprika
  • 85 g (3 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
  • 85 g (3 oz) Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese, freshly grated
  • 120 g (4 oz) Canned Diced Green Chillies, drained
  • Salt (Kosher or Sea), To Taste
  • 5 mL (1 tsp) Fresh Lime Juice

Instructions:

  1. Create the Smooth Base: Combine the cottage cheese and almond milk in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until completely smooth and velvety, resembling a thick, pourable cream (approx. 60–90 seconds). Set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter (or oil) in the saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent (3–4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Bloom Spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavour.
  4. Create the Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of the reserved almond milk until a smooth slurry forms.
  5. Combine Liquids: Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the saucepan. Whisk in the remaining almond milk and the cornstarch slurry.
  6. Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly. As it heats, the cornstarch will activate, and the mixture will noticeably thicken (4–5 minutes). Once thickened, reduce the heat immediately to the lowest setting.
  7. Add Cheese Gradually: Remove the pan from the direct heat momentarily. Add the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in three small additions, stirring until the first addition is completely melted and smooth before adding the next. Crucially, do not let the mixture boil.
  8. Stir in Finishers: Once the cheese is fully melted and smooth, stir in the diced green chillies, lime juice, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve Hot: Serve immediately with your favourite dipping vessels.