NEW DELHI: Making your own sandwich spreads isn’t just about being fancy—it’s about boosting flavour, avoiding artificial preservatives, and saving money while you’re at it. Store-bought jars might be convenient, but they often contain long ingredient lists you can’t pronounce. In contrast, homemade spreads come together quickly, use pantry-friendly ingredients, and pack fresh flavour that turns a basic sandwich into something worth writing home about.
Here are 7 insanely easy spreads you can make at home in around ten minutes or less:
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CLASSIC BASIL PESTO: A bright, herby spread that smells like summer. Blend fresh basil with nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice and olive oil for an aromatic pesto that will thank you for.
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QUICK HUMMUS: Chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic come together in this protein-packed favourite. The result is creamy, slightly tangy and far more affordable—and tastier—than store-bought.
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HERBED YOGURT SPREAD: Take thick hung curd (or Greek yoghurt), mix with fresh dill and mint, a squeeze of lemon and a hint of garlic for a refreshing, probiotic-rich spread. It’s lighter than cheese but still rich in flavour.
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AVOCADO SPREAD: Mash a ripe avocado, add lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper, and you’ve got a buttery, green spread packed with healthy fats. Toss in chilli flakes or coriander for extra punch.
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SUN-DRIED TOMATO SPREAD: Blitz oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes with garlic, basil and cream cheese (or hung curd) for a deeply savoury, umami-rich paste. A little goes a long way on crusty bread.
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CHIPOTLE MAYO: For a smoky kick in two minutes flat, mix mayonnaise with chipotle paste, lime juice and a touch of garlic powder. It’s creamy, spicy and perfect for wraps or grilled sandwiches.
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CASHEW CREAM CHEESE: Soak cashews briefly, then blend with lemon juice, garlic and a pinch of salt for a vegan cream cheese alternative that’s smooth, tangy and versatile.
PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT SPREADS
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Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator—most last up to a week.
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Adjust texture with a splash of water, olive oil or lemon juice.
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Don’t be afraid to customize; herbs, spices or roasted veggies can take these spreads to the next level.
Whether you’re preparing school lunches, quick weekday snacks or weekend brunches, these easy spreads prove that homemade is often faster, fresher and way more flavourful than anything out of a jar.
