Roasted Red Pepper & Smoked Cumin Spicy Dip With Olive Oil Swirl

Looking for a vibrant and flavorful dip that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? This Roasted Red Pepper & Smoked Cumin Spicy Dip with Olive Oil Swirl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The sweetness of roasted red peppers is beautifully balanced by the smoky warmth of cumin and a touch of heat from harissa paste. A swirl of fragrant cumin-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevate this dip to something truly special. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this dip is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with pita chips, veggie sticks, or warm flatbread. Let’s get started on creating this delicious appetizer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 200g (7oz) Plain Greek Yogurt: We’re using full-fat Greek yogurt for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. The thickness of Greek yogurt provides a wonderful base for the dip, allowing the other flavors to shine. Ensure it’s plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid any unwanted sweetness.
• 1 Large Red Bell Pepper: The star of the show! Red bell peppers offer a natural sweetness that roasts beautifully, creating a deep, smoky flavor. Choose a firm, vibrant pepper with no blemishes.
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and savory depth to the dip. Don’t use pre-minced garlic, as it lacks the same intensity of flavor.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the roasted pepper. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same fresh zing.
• 1 tsp (5g) Harissa Paste (Halal): Harissa paste is a North African chili paste that brings a complex heat and smoky flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. Ensure it’s halal-certified if you require it.
• 1 tsp (5g) Kosher Salt: Kosher salt enhances all the other flavors and seasons the dip perfectly.
• 1 tsp (2g) Smoked Cumin Seeds: Smoked cumin seeds provide a deep, earthy, and smoky flavor that complements the roasted red pepper beautifully. Toasting them releases their essential oils, maximizing their aroma and taste.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: We’re using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for its fruity flavor and healthy fats. It’s used both in the dip itself and to create the flavorful swirl on top.
• ½ tsp (1g) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds another layer of smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the dip.
• 1 tbsp (5g) Fresh Cilantro, Chopped (for garnish): Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous finish to the dip. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Greek Yogurt: You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or crème fraîche, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
• Harissa Paste: If you don’t have harissa paste, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Cilantro: As mentioned above, parsley makes a great substitute for cilantro.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Roasted Red Pepper & Smoked Cumin Dip

1. Roast the Red Pepper: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the red bell pepper directly on a baking sheet, skin side up. Roasting the pepper this way allows the skin to blister and blacken evenly, which is crucial for easy peeling later. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway through, until the skin is thoroughly charred.
2. Steam and Peel the Pepper: Immediately transfer the hot roasted pepper to a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This steaming process loosens the skin, making it much easier to remove. Let it steam for 5 minutes. After steaming, carefully peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds and stem, and roughly chop the pepper flesh. Don’t worry about getting every tiny piece of skin off; a little bit won’t affect the flavor.
3. Toast and Grind the Cumin Seeds: In a small, dry skillet over low heat, toast the smoked cumin seeds for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close watch, as they burn quickly! You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and slightly darker. Immediately grind the toasted cumin seeds using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Freshly ground cumin has a much more potent and aromatic flavor.
4. Create the Cumin-Smoke Oil Swirl: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet you used for the cumin seeds. Add the ground cumin and smoked paprika, and stir continuously for about 30 seconds. This blooms the spices in the oil, releasing their flavors and creating a beautiful, fragrant oil. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
5. Blend the Pepper Purée: In a food processor, combine the chopped roasted red pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, harissa paste, salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until completely smooth, creating a vibrant and flavorful pepper purée. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Combine with Greek Yogurt: In a mixing bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt until it’s light and creamy. Gently fold in the roasted red pepper purée, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to create ribbons of color and texture, rather than a completely homogenous mixture. This visual appeal adds to the overall experience.
7. Chill and Meld Flavors: Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop, resulting in a more complex and delicious dip. Chilling also improves the texture.
8. Plate and Garnish: Spoon the dip into a shallow, rustic ceramic bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a gentle spiral pattern on the surface. Drizzle the warm cumin-smoke oil in a thin, artistic line across the top. Finally, scatter chopped cilantro and a pinch of toasted cumin seeds for added color, texture, and aroma.
9. Serve Immediately: Serve the dip immediately with halal-certified pita chips, fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber), or warm flatbread.

Why Roasting is Key: Unlocking the Sweetness of Red Peppers

Roasting red peppers isn’t just about charring the skin; it’s a transformative process that unlocks their natural sweetness. The high heat caramelizes the sugars within the pepper, creating a depth of flavor that you simply can’t achieve by any other cooking method. This sweetness is perfectly balanced by the smoky notes of the cumin and the subtle heat of the harissa paste, making this dip incredibly addictive.

The Magic of Smoked Cumin: A Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Smoked cumin is the unsung hero of this dip. Unlike regular cumin, smoked cumin has been exposed to smoke during the drying process, imparting a rich, smoky flavor that complements the roasted red pepper beautifully. Toasting the seeds before grinding further enhances their aroma and flavor, creating a complex and nuanced spice profile that sets this dip apart.

Harissa Paste: Adding a Touch of North African Spice

Harissa paste, a staple in North African cuisine, brings a delightful kick to this dip. Its complex blend of chili peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil adds layers of flavor and a gentle heat that isn’t overpowering. Using a halal-certified harissa paste ensures the dip is suitable for all dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas

While this Roasted Red Pepper & Smoked Cumin Dip is delicious on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with warm pita bread, crisp vegetable sticks, or even as a spread for grilled chicken or fish. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a Mediterranean platter with olives, feta cheese, and hummus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dip up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop further over time.

Is this dip spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the harissa paste you use. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dip.

Can I use a different type of yogurt?

While Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness and tanginess, you can use regular plain yogurt. However, you may need to strain it through cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Roasted Red Pepper & Smoked Cumin Spicy Dip! It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple weeknight snack. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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