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Indian Chickpea Dip 3

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Indian Chickpea Dip 3

Indian Chickpea Dip 3, as its name suggests, is a creation from Indian home kitchens where dishes are crafted with intuition and a pinch of nostalgia. This recipe captures the essence of a home-cooked sharing dish, with salt judged by hand and fat used generously. It's a reminder of the informal gatherings around a table where food is passed hand to hand, and conversation flows as freely as the flavors.

The dip should be creamy yet robust, with the earthy undertone of chickpeas complemented by the nutty richness of tahini and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. Garlic lends a bold punch, while cumin provides a warm, aromatic finish. Each bite is a balance of smooth texture and vibrant taste, ideal for scooping up with warm flatbreads or crisp vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 400 gchickpeas
  • 2 tbsptahini
  • lemonjuiced
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • 1 tspcumin
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by draining and rinsing 400 g of chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess salt or preservatives. Transfer the chickpeas to a food processor or a large mortar and pestle, depending on your preference for texture. Blend or pound the chickpeas until you achieve a coarse, grainy consistency, which will provide a hearty base for your dip.
  2. Add 2 tbsp of tahini to the chickpea mixture, and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. If using a food processor, pulse the mixture a few times to incorporate the tahini and lemon juice evenly. If using a mortar and pestle, work the tahini and lemon juice into the chickpeas gradually, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and creamy.
  3. Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the chickpea mixture along with 1 tsp of cumin. Blend or pound the ingredients together until the garlic and cumin are well integrated, and the dip takes on a slightly aromatic, earthy fragrance.
  4. Slowly drizzle in a generous amount of olive oil, about 2 to 3 tablespoons, while continuing to blend or mix. The oil will help emulsify the dip, giving it a rich, smooth texture. Taste the dip and adjust the consistency if needed by adding a little more oil or a splash of water.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste, mixing it in thoroughly. To test the seasoning, spread a small amount on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt if necessary, ensuring the flavors are balanced and the garlic is not overpowering.
  6. Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This resting period will let the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by fresh bread or vegetable sticks, and enjoy as part of a shared meal.
Cover of Authentic Indian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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