Mediterranean Spiced Lentil Dip with Sun-dried Tomatoes

Name: Mediterranean Spiced Lentil Dip with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 1 cup green lentils; 3 cups water; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Cooked lentils; Spice mix; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons tahini; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 garlic clove; Salt and pepper; 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts

A Flavorful Appetizer with a Tangy Twist

This Mediterranean spiced lentil dip is rich in flavors and creamy in texture, perfectly complemented by zesty sun-dried tomatoes.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Lentils

1 cup green lentils

rinsed and drained

3 cups water

1 bay leaf

For the Spice Mix

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

optional for heat

For the Dip

Cooked lentils

Spice mix

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons tahini

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 garlic clove

minced

Salt and pepper

to taste

1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

For Garnishing

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts

Preparation

Cooking the Lentils

Combine lentils

In a medium saucepan, combine lentils, water, and bay leaf.

Bring to a boil

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Simmer until tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and discard the bay leaf.

Do not overcook the lentils; they should be tender but not mushy.

Preparing the Spice Mix

Mix spices

In a small bowl, mix ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Toast the spices lightly in a dry pan to enhance their flavors before mixing.

Cooking Process

Blend the dip

Add cooked lentils, spice mix, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic into a blender. Blend until smooth.

Incorporate flavors

Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Chill the dip

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Plating & Serving