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Indonesian Pepper Dip 2

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Indonesian Pepper Dip 2

Indonesian Pepper Dip 2 brings the warmth of a family kitchen to life, crafted with the intuitive touch of home cooks across Indonesia. This dip is a staple at the center of casual gatherings, where it's paired with crisp vegetables or warm bread. Its simplicity is deceptive, as each ingredient is carefully balanced, creating a familiar, comforting experience that speaks of everyday Indonesian life.

The dip's flavor is bold yet nuanced, with the smokiness of roasted peppers and the pungency of garlic softened by a generous splash of olive oil. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, zesty note, while a sprinkle of fine sea salt enhances each element. The result is a creamy, vibrant blend that invites everyone at the table to dive in and savor the communal joy of a shared meal.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the roasted peppers. If they still have skins, gently peel them off using your fingers or a small paring knife. Place the peeled peppers into a mortar and pestle or a food processor. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the peppers until they form a smooth paste. If using a food processor, pulse until the peppers are finely blended but still have a bit of texture.
  2. Add the 2 cloves of garlic to the peppers. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic directly into the pepper paste, ensuring it is well incorporated. If using a food processor, add the garlic and blend until the mixture is smooth and the garlic is evenly distributed.
  3. Slowly drizzle in 60 ml of olive oil while continuing to blend or pound the mixture. This gradual incorporation allows the oil to emulsify with the peppers, creating a creamy texture. The mixture should become glossy and smooth, indicating that the oil is well integrated.
  4. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture, stirring or blending to combine. The acidity of the lemon will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the olive oil. Taste the dip to ensure the acidity is to your liking, adjusting with more lemon juice if necessary.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount, then taste the dip on a piece of bread to judge the seasoning. The salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the peppers.
  6. Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. This brief resting period will also allow the dip to cool slightly, enhancing its taste and texture.
  7. Serve the Indonesian Pepper Dip 2 cool, with an assortment of bread or crackers for dipping. Enjoy it as part of a shared meal, embodying the communal spirit of Indonesian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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