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Indonesian Pepper Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Indonesian Pepper Dip

Indonesian Pepper Dip is a vibrant, flavorful condiment that graces many Indonesian home tables. It's a simple yet bold combination of roasted peppers, garlic, and olive oil, with a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Salt is added by instinct, a nod to the intuitive cooking style of Indonesian home cooks.

This dip is all about sharing, often enjoyed with family and friends gathered around the table. The roasted peppers bring a smoky depth, while the garlic adds a pungent kick. The olive oil lends a rich, smooth texture, and the lemon juice cuts through with a refreshing tang. It's a straightforward, delicious expression of Indonesian home cooking.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the roasted peppers. If they are whole, remove the stems and seeds, then roughly chop them into smaller pieces. Place the chopped peppers into a mortar and pestle or a food processor, depending on what you have available. The goal is to create a smooth, slightly chunky paste, so pulse or pound until you achieve this texture.
  2. Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the mortar or food processor with the peppers. Continue to pound or blend until the garlic is fully integrated and the mixture becomes fragrant. You should notice a cohesive texture with small visible bits of garlic and pepper.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the 60 ml of olive oil while continuing to blend or stir the mixture. This gradual incorporation helps emulsify the dip, giving it a creamy consistency. The oil should be fully absorbed, and the mixture should appear glossy and smooth.
  4. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the mixture, being careful to catch any seeds. Stir or blend gently to combine. The acid from the lemon will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the olive oil.
  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, keeping in mind that the flavors will develop further as the dip rests.
  6. Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.
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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