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Peruvian Herb Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Peruvian Herb Dip

Peruvian Herb Dip is a beloved staple at home tables across Peru, where cooks craft it with an intuitive understanding of balance and taste. This version captures the essence of a family gathering, with salt measured by instinct and olive oil poured with generosity. It’s a dish that invites sharing, embodying the warmth and hospitality of a Peruvian household.

The dip itself is a creamy blend of yogurt infused with verdant herbs and a hint of garlic, finished with a drizzle of olive oil. Each bite offers a refreshing taste, with the herbs providing a fresh, aromatic lift against the rich backdrop of yogurt. It’s a versatile complement to any meal, inviting everyone at the table to savor its vibrant simplicity.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by preparing the herbs. Choose a mix of fresh Peruvian herbs such as cilantro, parsley, and huacatay, totaling about 100 grams. Wash them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Roughly chop the herbs to make them easier to blend.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine the 400 g of yogurt with the chopped herbs. Add 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency, with the herbs fully integrated into the yogurt, creating a vibrant green color.
  3. With the blender running on a low setting, slowly drizzle in a generous amount of olive oil, about 2 tablespoons. This will help emulsify the dip, giving it a rich and creamy texture. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil until it reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Add fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, blend, and then taste the dip on a piece of bread. Adjust the saltiness according to your preference, ensuring the flavors of the herbs and garlic are balanced and pronounced.
  5. Once seasoned to your liking, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This brief resting period helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
  6. Serve the Peruvian Herb Dip cool, drizzling a little more olive oil on top for a finishing touch. This dip is perfect for sharing at the table, inviting everyone to enjoy its fresh and vibrant flavors.
Cover of Authentic Peruvian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Peruvian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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