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CaribbeanAuthentic Cuisine

Caribbean Herb Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Caribbean Herb Dip

In the Caribbean, this herb dip mirrors the essence of home cooking—unpretentious, flavorful, and shared with ease. Passed down through generations, it finds its place at family gatherings and casual lunches, where the focus is on the joy of togetherness and the simple pleasure of good food. Salt is measured by instinct, and a generous hand of olive oil finishes the dish, embodying the relaxed and intuitive nature of Caribbean kitchens.

The dip is a refreshing blend of creamy yogurt and fresh herbs, with a subtle kick from garlic. Its cooling sensation is a comforting counterpoint to the region's vibrant and spicy dishes. The flavors are bright yet soothing, making it a versatile accompaniment to any meal or a delightful snack on its own. Whether slathered on warm bread or dolloped onto grilled meats, this dip invites a moment of savoring.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing your herbs. Use a mix of fresh Caribbean herbs such as cilantro, parsley, and thyme. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Roughly chop the herbs and set aside about a cup's worth for blending.
  2. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Add the chopped garlic, herbs, and 400 g of yogurt into a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture on a low setting until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. You should see the herbs finely incorporated into the yogurt, giving it a vibrant green color.
  3. With the blender still running on low, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Use about 2 to 3 tablespoons, adding it gradually to allow the mixture to emulsify. The dip should become slightly thicker and glossier as the oil incorporates.
  4. Season the dip with fine sea salt. Start with a small pinch, blend, and taste the dip using a piece of bread. Adjust the salt to your preference, ensuring the flavors are balanced and the garlic provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the herbs.
  5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to cool slightly, enhancing its taste. Serve the Caribbean Herb Dip cool, drizzled with a touch more olive oil if desired, and enjoy it as a vibrant, fresh addition to your table.
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.

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