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Vietnamese Herb Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Vietnamese Herb Dip

Vietnamese Herb Dip is a staple at home tables, where it's crafted with an intuitive touch—salt is measured by feel, and olive oil is added generously. This dip is a snapshot of family cooking, where recipes are not so much written as they are lived and shared. It captures the essence of Vietnamese home cooking, bringing together simple ingredients in a way that feels like second nature.

The dip should be creamy yet refreshing, with the yogurt providing a tangy base that melds beautifully with the fragrant herbs. The garlic adds a gentle bite, while the olive oil brings a silky finish. Each bite should feel vibrant, a harmonious blend of flavors that elevates the simplest meal.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the base of the dip. In a mortar and pestle, add 400 g of yogurt and 2 cloves of peeled garlic. Pound the mixture until the garlic is fully integrated into the yogurt, creating a smooth and creamy texture. If you prefer, you can use a blender for this step, pulsing until the garlic is well blended with the yogurt.
  2. Next, incorporate the herbs into the yogurt mixture. Finely chop a generous handful of fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and basil. Add them to the yogurt base and continue to blend or pound until the herbs are evenly distributed, giving the dip a vibrant green speckled appearance.
  3. Slowly work in the olive oil to finish the dip. Drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil while stirring the mixture continuously. This will help to emulsify the dip, resulting in a silky and rich texture.
  4. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, mix well, and taste by spreading a bit on a piece of bread. Adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring the flavors are balanced and the garlic is prominent but not overpowering.
  5. Allow the dip to rest briefly at room temperature. This resting period lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, either as a spread or a dip, making sure to share it with family and friends around the table.
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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