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Vietnamese Herb Dip 3

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Vietnamese Herb Dip 3

Vietnamese Herb Dip 3 embodies the essence of home cooking in Vietnam, where measurements are often guided by intuition rather than precision. This dip is a staple at Vietnamese family tables, a dish passed down through generations and crafted with a keen sense of balance. It’s not about following a strict recipe but about capturing the spirit of Vietnamese hospitality, where every spoonful is an invitation to share.

The dip’s flavor is a gentle interplay between the creamy yogurt base and the fresh, vibrant notes of herbs. The garlic adds a subtle pungency, while a drizzle of olive oil ties it all together, creating a silky texture. It's seasoned with fine sea salt, a nod to the cook's discerning hand, ensuring each bite is perfectly savory and refreshing.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the base for the dip. Take 400 g of yogurt and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Finely chop a generous handful of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, or basil, and add them to the yogurt. Peel and mince 2 cloves of garlic, then add them to the bowl as well. Use a pestle and mortar or a blender to combine these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and the herbs are well integrated, resulting in a vibrant green color.
  2. Next, incorporate the olive oil into the yogurt mixture. Slowly drizzle in a few tablespoons of olive oil while continuously stirring with a spoon or spatula. This will help emulsify the dip, giving it a creamy texture. The oil should be fully absorbed, and the mixture should appear glossy and smooth.
  3. Now, season the dip with fine sea salt. Start with a small pinch and mix it thoroughly, then taste the dip by spreading a small amount on a piece of bread. Adjust the salt to your preference, ensuring it enhances the flavors without overpowering the herbs.
  4. Allow the dip to rest for a short period. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dip.
  5. Finally, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top for a finishing touch. Serve the dip cool, accompanied by fresh bread or vegetables for dipping. This dish is perfect for sharing at the table, embodying the communal spirit of Vietnamese home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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