This vintage “Imitation Sour Cream” recipe is a clever substitute for traditional sour cream, combining creamed cottage cheese with lemon juice for tanginess and smoothness. It was commonly used in mid-century cooking when fresh sour cream wasn’t readily available or was too expensive. Perfect for topping baked potatoes, pairing with casseroles, or mixing into dips, this quick and economical recipe produces a creamy, tangy alternative that closely mimics the taste and texture of real sour cream.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup creamed cottage cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a blender, add the water, lemon juice, salt, and creamed cottage cheese.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
- Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, resembling sour cream.
Step 3: Chill & Serve
- Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use small curd cottage cheese for smoother blending
- Chill at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend
- Add fresh herbs (dill, chives, parsley) for a savory dip
- Substitute lime juice for lemon for a different tang
- Add black pepper or paprika for extra flavor
- For a thinner consistency, blend in extra water a teaspoon at a time
- For a thicker consistency, drain cottage cheese before blending
- Blend longer for ultra-smooth sour-cream-like texture
- Can be used as a topping for baked potatoes or chili
- Works as a lower-fat alternative to sour cream in recipes
Nutrition
Calories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 45mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.1mg