Middle Eastern Style Carrot Parsnip And Walnut Dip Food

MIDDLE EASTERN-STYLE CARROT, PARSNIP AND WALNUT DIP

Steps:

• Place the carrots and parsnips in a medium to large pot and cover with cold water. Set on the stove, bring to a simmer, and cook until very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and place the carrots and parsnips in a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients, except garnish, and pulse until smooth.Spoon the dip into a bowl, cool to temperature and refrigerate until chilled. When ready to serve, garnish the dip, if desired, with a drizzle of olive oil and a few walnuts pieces.

MOROCCAN CARROT DIP

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the carrots and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until they begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, coriander, cumin, ginger, chili powder and cinnamon and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the water and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Off the heat, mash the carrots with a potato masher, leaving a few coarse pieces for texture. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and vinegar. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until the dip is chilled, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with the cilantro before serving. The dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Season with additional vinegar, salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with the cilantro before serving.
• Adjust the oven racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the pita wedges, smooth-side down, over 2 rimmed baking sheets. Spray the top of each chip with oil and then sprinkle with the salt.
• Bake the chips until they begin to crisp and brown lightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the chips over so their smooth side is facing up and continue to bake until the chips are fully toasted, 8 to 10 minutes longer. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let cool before serving.
• To make Garlic-Herb Pita Chips, mix 1½ teaspoons garlic powder and 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme, basil, or oregano with the salt before sprinkling it over the chips in step 1.
• To make Chili-Spiced Pita Chips, mix 1 tablespoon chili powder (or you can substitute curry powder or smoked paprika), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch cayenne pepper with the salt before sprinkling it over the chips in step 1.