Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Chinese Pepper Dip 3

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Chinese Pepper Dip 3

Chinese Pepper Dip 3 is a staple in home kitchens, particularly favored for casual gatherings and family meals. This is not a dish you will commonly find in restaurants; it’s the kind of recipe passed down through generations, each family adding their own touch. Crafted with a focus on simplicity and the use of generous amounts of fat, this dip embodies the relaxed and communal spirit of Chinese home cooking.

The dip offers a harmonious blend of roasted peppers and garlic, elevated by the bright note of fresh lemon juice. The olive oil provides a silky texture, while fine sea salt is added by hand, allowing the cook to achieve just the right balance. It's meant to be shared, inviting everyone to partake in its rich, yet refreshing flavors.

Ingredients

  • 3roasted peppers
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • 60 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the roasted peppers. If they are whole, remove the stems and seeds, then roughly chop them into smaller pieces. Place the chopped peppers in a mortar and pestle or a blender. The goal is to achieve a smooth yet slightly chunky texture, so blend or pound until the peppers are mostly smooth with a few small bits remaining for texture.
  2. Peel and finely mince the 2 cloves of garlic. Add them to the pepper mixture. The garlic should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture, providing a subtle pungency that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
  3. Slowly drizzle in 60 ml of olive oil while continuing to blend or stir the mixture. This will create a creamy emulsion that binds the flavors together. The mixture should become glossy and slightly thickened as the oil is fully incorporated.
  4. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the mixture, being careful to catch any seeds. Stir well to combine. The acid from the lemon will brighten the flavors and add a refreshing tang to the dip.
  5. Taste the dip and add fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that the salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them. Test the seasoning by spreading a small amount on a piece of bread.
  6. Allow the dip to rest briefly at room temperature. This resting period lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, either on its own or with bread, as part of a shared meal.
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