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Pakistani Pepper Dip 3

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Pakistani Pepper Dip 3

Pakistani Pepper Dip 3 finds its roots in the bustling urban kitchens of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, where it is lovingly prepared with the instinctive touch of salt and a generous hand with fats. This simple yet vibrant dip is a staple on the family table, made with the same care and precision as any home-cooked meal that invites sharing and savoring.

The dip's flavor is a vibrant blend of roasted peppers and garlic, enriched by the smooth texture of olive oil and brightened with a squeeze of lemon juice. Expect a burst of warmth and tanginess, with a hint of smokiness from the peppers, perfectly balanced by the saltiness judged to taste.

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 and pestle or a food processor. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the peppers until they form a coarse paste. If using a food processor, pulse the peppers until they reach a similar consistency. The texture should be slightly chunky, not completely smooth, to give the dip a rustic feel.
  2. Gradually incorporate 60 ml of olive oil into the pepper mixture. If using a mortar and pestle, drizzle the oil slowly while continuously pounding to emulsify the mixture. If using a food processor, keep it running on low while you slowly pour in the oil. The mixture should start to look glossy and well-blended, with the oil fully integrated.
  3. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture, ensuring you catch any seeds. Stir or blend the lemon juice in thoroughly. The acidity will balance the richness of the olive oil and enhance the sweetness of the peppers.
  4. Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the dip and mix well. The garlic should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture, infusing it with a subtle pungency.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount, mix well, and taste by spreading a little on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt until the flavors are vibrant and balanced, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peppers and the tanginess of the lemon.
  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 profile. Serve the dip cool, either as a spread for bread or as a part of a larger meal, inviting everyone to share and enjoy.
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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