Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Chinese Herb Dip 2

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Chinese Herb Dip 2

Chinese Herb Dip 2 is a comforting staple in many Chinese households, often gracing the table during casual family meals or gatherings with close friends. It's the kind of dish that reflects the essence of home cooking, where precise measurements give way to intuition and experience. The recipe is passed down through generations, with each cook adding a personal touch. It's not about formality; it's about the warmth of sharing a dish made with care.

This dip is creamy and herbaceous with a subtle kick of garlic, balanced by the richness of olive oil. The yogurt lends a cooling, smooth texture, while the herbs provide a fresh, aromatic finish. Salt is added judiciously, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them. It's best enjoyed as a communal dip, inviting everyone to partake in its simple, yet satisfying, elegance.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by preparing the garlic. Peel and finely chop 2 cloves of garlic. Use the side of your knife to press down on the chopped garlic, creating a paste-like consistency. This releases the garlic's natural oils, enhancing its flavor in the dip.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, add 400 g of yogurt. Choose a thick, plain yogurt for a creamy base. Add the garlic paste to the yogurt and mix well with a spoon until fully combined.
  3. Prepare your herbs by washing and drying them thoroughly. Finely chop a selection of fresh herbs such as cilantro, chives, or parsley — about a handful in total. Add the chopped herbs to the yogurt mixture, stirring gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dip.
  4. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while stirring the yogurt mixture. Use a light hand, adding just enough to create a smooth, slightly glossy texture. This should be about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, but adjust to your preference for richness.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt, adding it gradually and tasting as you go. Use a piece of bread to taste the dip, ensuring the salt enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Adjust until the balance of flavors is to your liking.
  6. Let the dip rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by fresh bread or vegetables for dipping.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Chinese cuisine