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Persian Pepper Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Persian Pepper Dip

Persian Pepper Dip finds its place on the everyday Persian table, a symbol of the vibrant simplicity that defines home cooking in Iran. This dish, with its roots in family kitchens, comes alive with the kind of hand-measured care and liberal use of olive oil that only a seasoned home cook can master. It's a staple at gatherings, where it invites everyone to dip in with fresh bread or crisp vegetables.

The dip should feel smooth and slightly chunky, the roasted peppers lending a smoky sweetness that mingles with the sharpness of fresh garlic. The olive oil creates a lush texture, while a squeeze of lemon adds a bright, tangy finish. Fine sea salt is sprinkled liberally, enhancing each ingredient without overshadowing their natural flavors.

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 skin using your fingers or a small knife. The flesh should be soft and slightly charred, which will add a smoky flavor to your dip.
  2. Place the peeled roasted peppers into a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Add 2 cloves of garlic. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste. If using a food processor, pulse until you achieve a similar texture, being careful not to over-process as a bit of texture is desirable.
  3. Once the peppers and garlic are well combined, slowly drizzle in 60 ml of olive oil. If using a mortar and pestle, continue to pound gently while adding the oil to emulsify the mixture. If using a food processor, keep it on a low setting to incorporate the oil gradually. The mixture should become creamy and slightly glossy.
  4. Next, add the juice of one lemon to the mixture. Stir or pulse gently to combine, ensuring the acidity is evenly distributed. The lemon juice will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the olive oil.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, then mix thoroughly and taste by spreading a small amount on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will meld and intensify as the dip rests.
  6. Allow the dip to rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by fresh bread or as part of a larger spread for sharing.
Cover of Authentic Persian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Persian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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