Tunisian Spiced Carrot Dip
This vibrant Tunisian Spiced Carrot Dip offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Made with tender carrots and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish serves as both a refreshing salad and a zesty dip. The natural sweetness of the carrots is complemented by the tang of white wine vinegar and a hint of heat from harissa, making it a versatile addition to any meal or gathering. Serve it alongside crusty bread or pita for an enjoyable appetizer that guests will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
1 3/4 lbs (peeled and chopped)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for boiling carrots)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin recommended)
White Wine Vinegar
3 tablespoons (for flavor)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed (add more to taste))
Harissa
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Black Olives
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and chopping the carrots into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, add the chopped carrots and cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Drain the carrots and allow them to cool slightly. Then, mash them with a potato masher, or for a smoother texture, blend in a food processor until you achieve your desired consistency.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed carrots with olive oil, white wine vinegar, crushed garlic, harissa, and ground cumin. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more harissa for heat or additional spices to suit your palate.
6
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld.
7
Once chilled, transfer the dip to a serving dish and garnish with black olives. Serve with your choice of bread, pita, or vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tunisian Spiced Carrot Dip?
Tunisian Spiced Carrot Dip is a vibrant dish made from tender carrots and a blend of aromatic spices that serves as both a refreshing salad and a zesty dip.
Is this carrot dip vegan-friendly?
Yes, the recipe consists entirely of plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
How many carrots are needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 3/4 pounds of carrots, peeled and chopped.
How long should I boil the carrots?
The carrots should be boiled for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
Can I use a food processor for the texture?
Yes, for a smoother consistency, you can blend the cooked carrots in a food processor.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a spicy North African chili pepper paste that adds heat and depth to the dip.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
Absolutely; you can add more or less harissa based on your personal heat preference.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar for tanginess.
How much cumin should I add?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of ground cumin for seasoning.
Can I add more garlic?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 1 crushed clove, you can add more to suit your taste.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dip is traditionally garnished with black olives once it is transferred to a serving dish.
How long should the dip be chilled before serving?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
What should I serve with Tunisian Spiced Carrot Dip?
It pairs well with crusty bread, pita, or vegetable sticks.
Is this carrot dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, provided you serve it with gluten-free accompaniments like vegetable sticks.
What kind of olive oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, the instructions specify peeling and chopping the carrots before boiling.
Can I mash the carrots by hand?
Yes, you can use a potato masher if you prefer a more textured consistency.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this dip.
Is this dip considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, Mediterranean-style dish.
What does the salt do in this recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is added to the boiling water to season the carrots as they cook.
Can I serve this as a salad instead of a dip?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it works beautifully as both a salad and a dip.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include tunisian, carrot salad, dip, vegan, appetizer, vegetarian, healthy, spicy, and mediterranean.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish contains harissa and is tagged as spicy, though the heat level can be adjusted.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While white wine vinegar is specified, you could use cider vinegar or lemon juice, though the flavor will vary.
Why is it important to chop carrots into evenly sized pieces?
Even chopping ensures that all carrot pieces cook at the same rate for consistent texture.
Is this recipe Mediterranean?
Yes, it features Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and cumin.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead allows the ingredients more time to meld in the refrigerator.
What flavor profile does cumin add?
Ground cumin adds an aromatic, earthy, and warm flavor to the carrots.
Are the black olives mandatory?
The olives are for garnish and flavor balance; they can be omitted if you prefer.