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Pakistani Pepper Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Pakistani Pepper Dip

Pakistani Pepper Dip finds its roots in the bustling kitchens of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, where home cooks craft it with a personal touch. This is not a dish bound by precise measurements but by intuition — salt is judged by hand, and generous use of fat ensures its rich texture. The dip is a staple when friends gather around the table, ready to dive into a shared feast.

Expect a vibrant mix of flavors from the roasted peppers, heightened by the sharpness of garlic and fresh lemon juice. The olive oil lends a smooth, luxurious feel, while fine sea salt sharpens the ensemble. Best enjoyed with warm bread or fresh vegetables, it invites everyone to savor its bold, comforting embrace.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the roasted peppers. If they are not already peeled, gently remove the skins by rubbing them with your fingers. This will help achieve a smoother texture in the dip. Place the peeled peppers in a mortar or a food processor.
  2. Add the 2 cloves of garlic to the peppers. If using a mortar, pound the peppers and garlic together until you achieve a coarse paste. If using a food processor, pulse the mixture until it reaches a chunky consistency, being careful not to over-process as some texture is desirable.
  3. Slowly drizzle in 60 ml of olive oil while continuing to blend or pound. This gradual incorporation helps emulsify the mixture, creating a creamy texture. Once the oil is fully integrated, squeeze in the juice of one lemon, ensuring the acidity balances the richness of the oil.
  4. Taste the mixture and begin seasoning with fine sea salt. Add a small pinch at a time, tasting as you go, until the flavor is bright and balanced. If you have some bread on hand, use it to taste the dip, as this will give you a better sense of how it will be enjoyed at the table.
  5. Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, either in a communal bowl for sharing or in individual portions, accompanied by fresh bread or your choice of accompaniments.
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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