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ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Chinese Herb Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Chinese Herb Dip

Chinese Herb Dip is a staple in home kitchens, often prepared with a level of intuition passed down through generations. This dish is a reflection of the way Chinese family cooks bring it to the table, with salt measured by experience, and fat embraced for its richness. It's a common feature during casual family meals, where the focus is on sharing and enjoying the simple pleasures of good food.

The dip should be creamy and tangy from the yogurt, with a brightness from the herbs and a gentle bite from the garlic. The olive oil adds a luscious finish, while the sea salt brings out the subtle flavors. It's a dish that invites everyone to dip in and savor each mouthful.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the base for the Chinese Herb Dip. In a mortar and pestle, add 400 g of yogurt and a generous handful of fresh herbs of your choice, such as cilantro, chives, or parsley. Pound the mixture gently until the herbs are finely incorporated into the yogurt, creating a smooth and vibrant green base. If you prefer, you can use a blender to achieve a similar texture, but be careful not to over-blend, as you want to maintain some texture from the herbs.
  2. Next, slowly incorporate the olive oil into the yogurt-herb mixture. Drizzle a few tablespoons of olive oil gradually while stirring continuously with a spoon or spatula. This will help emulsify the dip, giving it a creamy and rich consistency. The oil should be fully absorbed, and the mixture should appear glossy and smooth.
  3. Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the mixture, stirring well to distribute the flavor evenly. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste, adding a small pinch at a time and tasting as you go. Use a piece of bread to taste the dip, ensuring the saltiness and garlic flavor are balanced and to your liking.
  4. Allow the dip to rest briefly at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Once rested, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Serve cool, drizzling a final touch of olive oil on top for added richness and presentation.
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…

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