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Japanese Pepper Dip 3

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Japanese Pepper Dip 3

Japanese Pepper Dip 3 is a staple at home tables across Japan, where the art of seasoning by hand is cherished. This dish embodies the simplicity and generosity of Japanese home cooking, with salt measured by instinct and a liberal use of fat ensuring a rich, satisfying dip. It's a recipe passed down through generations, capturing the essence of family meals without the need for strict formality.

Expect a silky blend of sweet roasted peppers and pungent garlic, brightened by a touch of lemon juice and a lush drizzle of olive oil. The dip delivers a harmonious balance of flavors, where each component complements the other. Enjoy it as part of a shared meal, celebrating the comfort and warmth of Japanese home cooking.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by placing the 3 roasted peppers into a mortar or a blender. If using a mortar, use a pestle to pound the peppers until they form a coarse paste. If using a blender, pulse the peppers until they are roughly blended, ensuring some texture remains. The peppers should be broken down but not completely smooth, retaining small chunks for a rustic texture.
  2. Slowly drizzle in 60 ml of olive oil while continuing to pound or blend the mixture. Add the oil gradually to allow it to emulsify with the peppers, creating a creamy consistency. The mixture should start to look glossy and well combined, with the oil fully incorporated.
  3. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture, ensuring no seeds fall in. Blend or mix gently to combine the lemon juice thoroughly, balancing the richness of the olive oil with a bright, tangy note. The mixture should have a harmonious blend of flavors, with the acidity complementing the sweetness of the peppers.
  4. Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the pepper mixture, stirring or blending briefly to distribute the flavor evenly. Season with fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. Taste the dip on a piece of bread to ensure the seasoning is balanced, with the garlic providing a subtle kick without overpowering the peppers.
  5. Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, allowing the flavors to shine, and enjoy it with fresh bread or as a condiment at your table.
Cover of Authentic Japanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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