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Pakistani Pepper Dip 2

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Pakistani Pepper Dip 2

Pakistani Pepper Dip 2 is a beloved staple across the bustling cities of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad. It's a dish that embodies the casual yet thoughtful approach of home cooking, where salt is judged by hand and fat is used with a generous heart. This dip finds its place on the table during both lively gatherings and quiet family meals, always ready to be shared and savored.

The dip is a harmonious blend of roasted peppers and garlic, brought to life with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. The taste is bold yet balanced, with the smoky sweetness of the peppers complementing the sharpness of garlic and citrus. It's a vibrant, velvety creation that invites the palate to a warm embrace, a true testament to the joy of sharing simple, flavorful food.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by placing the 3 roasted peppers in a mortar and pestle or a food processor. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the peppers until they form a coarse paste, with small bits of pepper still visible. If using a food processor, pulse until you achieve a similar texture, being careful not to over-process into a smooth puree. The texture should be slightly chunky, allowing the roasted flavor to shine through.
  2. Slowly drizzle in 60 ml of olive oil while continuing to pound or blend the mixture. This gradual incorporation helps the oil emulsify with the peppers, creating a creamy consistency. The mixture should start to glisten and become more cohesive as the oil is absorbed.
  3. Add the juice of one lemon to the mixture, blending it in thoroughly. The acidity from the lemon will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the olive oil. Ensure the lemon juice is well mixed, as it will enhance the overall taste of the dip.
  4. Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the pepper mixture, stirring it in evenly. The garlic should be fresh and pungent, providing a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the roasted peppers.
  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 gradually, as it should enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
  6. Allow the dip to rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period lets the flavors meld together, creating a more harmonious taste. Once rested, serve the dip cool, ideal for sharing at the table with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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