Iraqi Dip
Authentic Iraqi Dip Recipe - Flavorful and Nutritious
Introduction
This Iraqi Dip recipe is a delicious and creamy dip made with garbanzo beans, garlic, lemon, olive oil, salt, and cumin. It is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
History
This traditional Iraqi Dip, also known as hummus, has been enjoyed in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is a staple dish in Iraqi households and is often served as part of a mezze platter or as a side dish with grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of garbanzo beans (15 to 19 oz (539 g) each), drained, and with 0.33 cup liquid reserved
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice (juice of 2 to 3 lemons)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
How to prepare
- In a food processor, combine all the ingredients. Process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- This recipe yields 4 cups.
Variations
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Top the dip with chopped parsley, pine nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil for a decorative touch.
- Mix in some tahini for a creamier texture and nutty flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to reserve some of the liquid from the canned garbanzo beans to help achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- Adjust the amount of garlic, lemon, and salt to suit your personal taste preferences.
- For a smoother texture, you can peel the garbanzo beans before blending them in the food processor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Iraqi Dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, olives, and pickles for a delicious and satisfying appetizer or snack.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a smooth and creamy Iraqi Dip is to blend the ingredients in a food processor until well combined.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice instead.
- You can substitute canned garbanzo beans with cooked dried garbanzo beans, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make Ahead Tips
This Iraqi Dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Iraqi Dip in a shallow bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few whole garbanzo beans for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This Iraqi Dip pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, falafel, tabbouleh, and other Middle Eastern dishes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Iraqi Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Iraqi Dip contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Iraqi Dip contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this Iraqi Dip contains approximately 7 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of this Iraqi Dip contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
This Iraqi Dip is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and folate from the garbanzo beans and lemon.
Alergens
This recipe contains garbanzo beans, which may be an allergen for some individuals.
Summary
This Iraqi Dip is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This Iraqi Dip is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a delicious and nutritious dip that is sure to impress your guests.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Iraqi Dip. It was a hot summer day, and my dear friend Fatima invited me over to her house for a traditional Iraqi feast. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma of cumin, garlic, and fresh herbs. Fatima was busy chopping vegetables and mixing spices, and I could tell that something truly special was in the making.
As we chatted and sipped on sweet mint tea, Fatima told me that the Iraqi Dip, also known as "Muttabel," was a popular dish in her family. It was made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil. She explained that the key to a delicious Muttabel was to char the eggplant over an open flame until the skin was blackened and the flesh was soft and smoky.
I watched in awe as Fatima skillfully roasted the eggplant over the gas stove, turning it every few minutes until it was perfectly charred on all sides. She then placed it in a bowl and covered it with a kitchen towel to let it steam and cool. Once the eggplant was ready, she peeled off the charred skin and mashed the flesh with a fork until it was smooth and creamy.
Next, Fatima added a generous spoonful of tahini, a few cloves of minced garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. She mixed everything together until it formed a luscious, velvety dip that was bursting with flavor. I couldn't wait to dip a piece of warm pita bread into it and savor every bite.
Fatima handed me a spoonful of the Iraqi Dip, and as soon as it touched my lips, I was transported to a different world. The smokiness of the roasted eggplant, the creaminess of the tahini, and the tanginess of the lemon juice all blended together in perfect harmony. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I immediately knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.
Over the years, I have made this Iraqi Dip countless times for my family and friends. Each time, I am reminded of that hot summer day in Fatima's kitchen and the magic of discovering a new and delicious recipe. I have since shared the recipe with many others, passing down the tradition of making Muttabel to the next generation.
What I love most about cooking is that it allows me to connect with different cultures and traditions through food. Each recipe tells a story, whether it's passed down through generations or discovered by chance. The Iraqi Dip holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the bonds of friendship and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
As I sit here, stirring a pot of simmering stew on the stove, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have learned over the years. Each one is a treasure, a piece of history that allows me to travel through time and space with just a taste. And as I take a spoonful of the fragrant Iraqi Dip and savor its rich flavors, I am filled with a sense of contentment and connection to the world around me. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body, but also the soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.