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Caribbean Herb Dip 2

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Caribbean Herb Dip 2

Caribbean Herb Dip 2 is a staple at home tables across the Caribbean, prepared with the same intuitive ease that defines much of the region's cooking. A generous hand with salt and fat is key, reflecting the rich and unpretentious style of family meals. This version captures the essence of how a Caribbean family cook would bring it to the table, focusing on authenticity and flavor.

The dip is vibrant with fresh herbs and a garlic kick, balanced by the creamy tang of yogurt. A drizzle of olive oil finishes it, enhancing the smooth texture and adding a hint of luxury. It's a dish meant for sharing, inviting everyone to gather around and savor its simple yet bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • 400 gyogurt
  • herbs — chopped
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • to finisholive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the herbs. Choose a mix of fresh Caribbean herbs such as cilantro, parsley, and thyme. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Remove any tough stems and roughly chop about a handful of each herb to make approximately 1 cup in total.
  2. In a mortar and pestle, add the chopped herbs and 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped. Pound the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. If you prefer, you can use a food processor, pulsing until the herbs are finely chopped but still have some texture.
  3. Transfer the herb and garlic mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Add 400 g of yogurt to the bowl and stir gently to combine. The mixture should be smooth and well-incorporated, with flecks of herbs visible throughout.
  4. Slowly drizzle in a generous amount of olive oil, about 2 tablespoons, while stirring continuously. This will help to emulsify the dip, giving it a creamy texture. The oil should be fully integrated, leaving a glossy sheen on the surface of the dip.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, mix well, and taste by spreading a small amount on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt as needed, ensuring the flavors are balanced and the garlic provides a subtle warmth without overpowering the herbs.
  6. Allow the dip to rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Serve the dip cool, drizzled with a little more olive oil if desired, and enjoy as a shared appetizer.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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