Chinese Pepper Dip

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Begin by preparing the base for the dip. Take the 3 roasted peppers and place them in a mortar and pestle or a blender. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the peppers until they form a smooth paste. If using a blender, pulse until you achieve a similar smooth texture. The goal is to have a cohesive mixture with no large chunks remaining.
2. Next, gradually incorporate the olive oil into the pepper base. Pour in 60 ml of olive oil slowly while continuously blending or stirring. This allows the oil to emulsify with the pepper paste, creating a rich and smooth consistency. The mixture should appear glossy and well-combined, with the oil fully integrated.
3. Now, add the juice of one lemon to the mixture. Stir or blend gently to mix the acid into the dip. The lemon juice will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the olive oil. Ensure the mixture is well-blended, with the lemon juice fully incorporated and no separation visible.
4. Peel and finely mince the 2 cloves of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the dip, mixing thoroughly to distribute the garlic evenly throughout. Taste the dip on a small piece of bread to gauge the flavor. Gradually add fine sea salt to taste, mixing well after each addition, until the seasoning is to your liking.
5. 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 as a standalone dish or accompanied by bread or vegetables for dipping. The final texture should be smooth and cohesive, with a balanced flavor profile that highlights the roasted peppers and garlic.