Creamy Grated Beet and Garlic Yogurt Dip
This stunningly vibrant dip combines the earthy sweetness of fresh beets with the rich creaminess of thick yogurt, flavored with a touch of garlic and fresh lemon juice. Originating from Middle Eastern cuisine, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The beets are grated for a delightful texture and are complemented by the acidity of lemon and the creaminess of yogurt, making this dip a versatile companion to pita bread, grilled meats, or as a refreshing side to seafood. With a hint of fresh mint to finish, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious, and it's perfect for parties or as a healthful snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain low-fat yogurt
2 cups (drained to 1 1/2 cups)
small beets
8 (trimmed and scrubbed)
large garlic clove
1 (crushed)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
fresh strained lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
fresh ground pepper
to taste
sugar (optional)
1 pinch
fresh mint
1 sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by draining the plain low-fat yogurt: Line a fine-mesh strainer with a coffee filter or cheesecloth, add the yogurt, and let it sit for about 1 hour to achieve a thicker consistency.
2
Prepare the beets: Trim off the beet stalks, leaving about 1 inch, and scrub the beets thoroughly to remove dirt. Do not peel them. Boil a pot of salted water and add the beets. Cook for 25 to 35 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the beets, then rinse them under cold running water to cool slightly; the skins should slip off easily. Cut away any remaining roots and stalks.
3
Grate the beets coarsely: Using a food processor with a shredding disk or a hand grater (wearing latex gloves can prevent pink-stained hands), grate the cooked beets into a large bowl.
4
In a separate medium bowl, mix the crushed garlic, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Add the drained yogurt and grated beets to this mixture, gently folding until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of sugar if desired to balance flavors.
5
Transfer the beet-yogurt mixture to a serving dish, cover it tightly, and let it refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld, served chilled.
6
Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint sprigs for an added touch of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Grated Beet and Garlic Yogurt Dip?
It is a vibrant Middle Eastern dip made from grated boiled beets, thick yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice.
How do I prepare the yogurt for this recipe?
Drain plain low-fat yogurt in a fine-mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth for about one hour until thick.
Do I need to peel the beets before boiling?
No, scrub them thoroughly and leave the skins on while boiling; the skins will slip off easily after cooking.
How long should I boil the beets?
Boil the beets in salted water for 25 to 35 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
What is the best way to grate the beets?
You can use a food processor with a shredding disk or a standard hand grater for a coarse texture.
How can I prevent my hands from staining while grating beets?
Wearing latex or kitchen gloves can prevent the beet juice from staining your hands pink.
Is this beet dip gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What are the primary flavors in this dip?
It features earthy sweetness from beets, creaminess from yogurt, a bite of garlic, and acidity from lemon.
Should the dip be served warm or cold?
The dip should be refrigerated for at least one hour and served chilled.
What can I serve with this beet yogurt dip?
It pairs excellently with pita bread, grilled meats, or as a refreshing side for seafood.
Can I add sugar to the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of sugar is optional to help balance the earthy and acidic flavors.
What garnish is recommended?
Fresh mint sprigs are recommended for garnish to add a touch of color and extra flavor.
How many beets are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 small beets.
What type of yogurt is best?
The recipe specifies plain low-fat yogurt that has been drained to achieve a thicker consistency.
How much yogurt is required?
Start with 2 cups of plain low-fat yogurt, which should drain down to about 1.5 cups.
How much garlic should I use?
One large crushed garlic clove is used for this recipe.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dip originates from Middle Eastern cuisine.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe suggests using two tablespoons of fresh strained lemon juice for the best flavor.
Does the dip need to rest before serving?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I know the beets are cooked?
They are ready when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the texture of the beets in this dip?
The beets are coarsely grated, providing a delightful and distinct texture.
Can I make this dip in a food processor?
You can use a food processor for shredding the beets, but you should fold the ingredients together gently by hand.
Is this dip healthy?
Yes, it uses low-fat yogurt and fresh vegetables, making it a healthful snack or side.
How do I remove the beet skins?
After boiling and rinsing under cold water, the skins should slip off easily with your hands.
Can I substitute the mint?
While mint is traditional, you could use other fresh herbs like dill or parsley if preferred.
Is there a lot of salt in this recipe?
The recipe uses just a pinch of salt to taste, plus salt for the boiling water.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to begin draining the yogurt to achieve a thicker, creamier base.
Can I use pre-cooked beets?
While the recipe describes boiling fresh beets, you could use pre-cooked beets to save time as long as they are plain.