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Vietnamese Pepper Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Vietnamese Pepper Dip

Vietnamese Pepper Dip is a staple at home tables across Vietnam, where it brings a burst of flavor to everyday meals. This dish is made by hand, with salt measured by the cook's intuition and a generous splash of olive oil that ties the ingredients together. It's a simple, yet essential component of family dinners, where each element is crafted with care and shared without reserve.

The dip combines the smoky depth of roasted peppers with the pungency of garlic, all brightened by a squeeze of lemon. Its creamy texture is a result of the olive oil, which smooths the blend into a harmonious spread. A pinch of fine sea salt enhances the natural flavors, creating a balance that invites you to savor each bite.

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 by rubbing it off with your fingers. Cut the peppers into smaller pieces to make them easier to blend or pound.
  2. Place the roasted pepper pieces into a mortar and pestle or a food processor. If using a mortar and pestle, pound the peppers until they form a smooth paste. If using a food processor, pulse until the peppers are finely blended and have a smooth texture.
  3. Peel and finely chop the 2 cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the pepper paste, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  4. Slowly drizzle 60 ml of olive oil into the pepper and garlic mixture, stirring continuously. This gradual incorporation helps the oil emulsify with the peppers, creating a creamy consistency.
  5. Juice the lemon and slowly add the juice to the mixture, stirring as you go. The acid from the lemon will balance the richness of the olive oil and enhance the flavors of the peppers.
  6. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Add a small amount at a time, mixing well and tasting on a piece of bread to ensure the seasoning is to your liking. The salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
  7. Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve the Vietnamese Pepper Dip cool, as part of a shared meal, with fresh bread or as a condiment for other dishes.
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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