1cupcottage cheesesmall curd or blended slightly for smoother texture
3dill pickles or cornichons
1tbsppickle brine
1tbsplemon juice
2tspDijon mustard
1tbspdill or parsley
2tbspcapers
1shallot
½tsphoney
2tbspsour cream
¼cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper
Instructions
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese for a few seconds using a food processor or blender. Otherwise, keep it chunky for more texture.
Stir in all the remaining ingredients until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning: more brine or lemon juice for brightness, more honey if it's too sharp, or more cayenne for a bolder kick.
Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld, then serve cold.
Notes
Blend for smoothness - if you like a traditional tartar texture, just stir everything together. Want it silky? A quick pulse in a blender makes it smooth.Chop finely - make sure your pickles, shallots, and herbs are finely chopped so they distribute evenly throughout the sauce.Taste as you go - the saltiness and tang can vary depending on your pickles, brine, or mustard. Hold off on adding salt until everything is mixed, then adjust to taste.Chill it before serving. Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge so the flavors can meld—it’ll taste much better once it’s had time to settle.