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Filipino Pepper Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Filipino Pepper Dip

Filipino Pepper Dip captures the essence of home cooking in the Philippines, where simplicity and flavor come together effortlessly. This dip is a staple on Filipino home tables, often making its appearance during casual gatherings and family meals. Crafted with care, each ingredient is measured by instinct, reflecting the deeply personal nature of Filipino cooking.

The dip offers a vibrant burst of flavor, with roasted peppers providing a smoky sweetness that harmonizes with the sharpness of garlic and the brightness of lemon juice. Generous olive oil enriches the texture, making each bite smooth and luxurious, while fine sea salt ties everything together. This is the taste of home, shared generously and savored by all.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the roasted peppers. If they are not already peeled, gently remove the skins by rubbing them with your fingers. The peppers should be soft and pliable, with a slightly smoky aroma from the roasting.
  2. Place the peeled roasted peppers into a mortar and pestle or a blender. Add 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste, with no large chunks remaining. If using a blender, pulse until you achieve a similar smooth consistency.
  3. Once the base is smooth, slowly incorporate 60 ml of olive oil. If using a mortar, drizzle the oil in gradually while continuing to pound the mixture. If using a blender, add the oil in a thin stream while blending on low speed. The mixture should become glossy and emulsified.
  4. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture, ensuring no seeds fall in. Stir or blend gently to combine. The acidity from the lemon should balance the richness of the olive oil and enhance the sweetness of the peppers.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, mix well, and taste by spreading a small amount on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt as needed to ensure the flavors are well-rounded and vibrant.
  6. Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period helps the flavors meld together more harmoniously. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by crusty bread or as a condiment for your favorite dishes.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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