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Korean Herb Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Korean Herb Dip

Korean Herb Dip is a flavorful blend of yogurt, herbs, and garlic, seasoned with fine sea salt and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is a staple on Korean home tables, where it's prepared with a generous hand and a focus on sharing.

The dip offers a creamy texture with a fresh, herbal aroma, balanced by the subtle heat of garlic. It's a simple yet satisfying accompaniment, embodying the essence of Korean home cooking with its straightforward and communal approach.

Ingredients

  • 400 gyogurt
  • herbs — chopped
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • to finisholive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the base for your Korean Herb Dip. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 400 g of yogurt with a generous handful of your chosen fresh herbs. Use a mortar and pestle to gently pound the mixture until the herbs are finely incorporated and the yogurt takes on a light green hue. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a blender, pulsing until the herbs are well blended into the yogurt.
  2. Once the base is ready, slowly work in the olive oil. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the yogurt mixture while stirring continuously with a spatula or spoon. This gradual incorporation helps the oil emulsify with the yogurt, creating a creamy and smooth texture. Aim for a glossy finish that indicates the oil is well integrated.
  3. Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the yogurt mixture, stirring well to ensure even distribution. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. Taste the dip by spreading a small amount on a piece of bread; this helps you gauge the balance of flavors and adjust the saltiness if necessary.
  4. Allow the dip to rest briefly at room temperature. This resting period lets the flavors meld together and the garlic to infuse the yogurt more deeply. After about 10 minutes, give the dip a final stir and check the flavor once more, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
  5. Serve the Korean Herb Dip cool, either as a spread or a dip, drizzled with a little more olive oil for a finishing touch. Present it in a shallow bowl or on a platter, ready to be shared at the table. Enjoy the dip with fresh vegetables, bread, or as part of a larger meal.
Cover of Authentic Korean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Korean Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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