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Indian Pepper Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Indian Pepper Dip

Indian Pepper Dip is a staple in Indian home kitchens, crafted with the warmth and care that define family meals. While it might not grace the table on a specific festival, it's a beloved everyday dish that can turn any casual gathering into a memorable occasion. The recipe is passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own touch, ensuring that it remains a treasured part of home cooking.

The dip is vibrant and full-bodied, with the smoky depth of roasted peppers, the zing of fresh lemon juice, and a hint of garlic. The olive oil lends a rich, smooth texture, while the fine sea salt enhances each note without overpowering. This is a dip that invites you to savor each bite, best enjoyed with warm, crusty bread or alongside a platter of fresh vegetables.

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. Discard the seeds and stems, and roughly chop the peppers into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to blend them into a smooth paste.
  2. Place the chopped roasted peppers into a blender or a mortar and pestle. Add 2 cloves of garlic, which you have peeled and roughly chopped. Blend or pound the mixture until it reaches a smooth and consistent texture, with no large pieces remaining. The mixture should be vibrant in color and fragrant.
  3. Slowly incorporate 60 ml of olive oil into the pepper mixture. If using a blender, drizzle the oil in gradually while blending on a low setting. If using a mortar and pestle, add the oil in small increments, stirring continuously to emulsify the mixture. The dip should become glossy and slightly thickened.
  4. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture, ensuring no seeds fall in. Blend or stir again to combine the lemon juice thoroughly. The acid from the lemon will balance the sweetness of the peppers and enhance the overall flavor.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, blend or stir, and then taste the dip on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will meld and intensify as the dip rests.
  6. Allow the dip to rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the taste. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by fresh bread or 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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