Middle Eastern Dip Food

MIDDLE EASTERN DIP

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth ad creamy and no lumps remain, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

MIDDLE EASTERN FIRE-ROASTED EGGPLANT DIP: BABAGANOUSH

Steps:

• There are 2 ways to cook the eggplants. The first way, on the stovetop, is my favorite because it yields a much smokier-flavored babaganoush.
• For the stovetop method: Turn 2 burners up full-throttle. Place 1 eggplant on each burner and, using a pair of tongs, turn every 5 minutes or so, until the entire surface of eggplant is charred and crispy, about 15 minutes. Don't worry if the eggplant deflates a little. Remove from the burner and place on a plate to cool.
• For the oven method: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Prick the eggplants all over with a fork (this keeps the eggplant from exploding in the oven, so don't skip this step). Place on a baking sheet and roast until softened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
• Regardless of the cooking method you choose, once the eggplant is cool enough to touch with your hands, carefully peel the charred skin off the eggplant. Discard the skin. Move the flesh onto your chopping board, slice off the stem and discard. Using your knife, mince the flesh until almost smooth. Scoop into a bowl.
• Add the lemon juice, tahini, parsley, and a little salt and pepper. Whisk together and taste for seasoning. Feel free to add more lemon juice, more salt and pepper... it will vary depending on the size of your eggplant, and how you like your 'ganoush! Serve with pita chips.

MIDDLE EASTERN DIPS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients for hummus in a large food processor or electric mixer and puree. Add a little of the reserved chick pea liquid to smooth out. Adjust seasoning as needed. Press hummus through a large sieve. Garnish and serve with bread.
• Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and continue to stir to prevent scorching on the bottom. Simmer until all liquid is gone and spread is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sliced green onions, diced red peppers and the extra virgin olive oil. Serve in a bowl with bread.

MIDDLE EASTERN EDAMAME DIP

Steps:

• Cook edamame according to package directions but *omit* the salt. I lightly boiled the edamame and [reserved] some of the cooking liquid.
• Place the olive oil, salt, cumin and garlic in a food processor. PULSE 2-3 times.
• Add the edamame and the remaining ingredients. Blend to desired consistency. If the mixture is too thick you can thin it with a little bit of the edamame cooking liquid. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon if needed.
• We served the edamame dip with a light drizzle of olive oil on top followed by a sprinkle of sumac, a sprig of fresh parsley and accompanied by Recipe #100777.

MIDDLE EASTERN LAYERED DIP

Steps:

• Spread lettuce onto bottom of pie plate.
• Top with hummus, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edge.
• Sprinkle with onions, peppers and olives.

MIDDLE EASTERN GARLIC SAUCE

Steps:

• Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; mash until smooth. Set aside to cool.
• Put garlic, salt, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor; pour in enough oil to lightly coat garlic cloves. Blend mixture on high; slowly stream remaining oil through the top opening of the blender or food processor until mixture is smooth. Add mashed potatoes, about 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time, to the garlic mixture while blender is still running. Continue adding potatoes until all are incorporated. Transfer sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled, 1 hour to overnight.

FETA CHEESE DIP - MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Crumble and mash feta cheese with a fork with oils and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
• Serve with toasted pita wedges or crackers.
• VARIATIONS:.
• Many herbs and spices can be added to this recipe for a "kick".
• Try adding a teaspoon of dill, oregano, garlic powder, or another herb or spice.
• For spicier spices like cumin or caraway, start off with 1/8 teaspoon and increase according to taste.

MIDDLE EASTERN WARM ZUCCHINI DIP

Steps:

• Peel zucchini skin off.
• Finely grate the zucchini using a mandolin.
• Heat some vegetable oil and add the onions to the hot oil.
• Once onions become translucent and golden in color, add zucchini.
• Let zucchini cook for about 10 minutes or until soft and tender and then add the Maggi cube and mint(rubbing dried mint between your hands to grind it down).
• Let cook for another 2-5 minutes or so, or until squash is done.
• Place in a bowl and enjoy with some pita bread.

MUHAMARA - MIDDLE EASTERN RED PEPPER DIP

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in the blender.
• Puree until almost smooth.
• (A few small chunks of walnut is OK).
• Transfer to a serving dish.
• If desired drizzle with olive oil.
• Serve with pita bread.