This dip is easy to prepare and loaded with flavor.
It is a great HWA = Healthier Weekend Appetizer.
Red bell peppers are loaded with nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, Olive oil provides a healthy fat. Feta cheese has a strong flavor so you don’t need very much and the combination makes a delicious roasted red bell pepper dip. For a vegan option you can substitute soft tofu and add a little extra garlic for more flavor.
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 3 medium red bell peppers, roasted, skinned and seeded (OR you can buy a large jar of roasted red peppers at the store)
- 1 clove of garlic, minced and crushed to paste with
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 C crumbled feta (3-4 oz.) (Look in the cheese dept)
- 2 T plain dry breadcrumbs (or gluten free unsalted crackers, crushed)
- 2 T fresh lemon juice
- 2 T olive oil
- 3 T chopped fresh dill (or 1-1/2 tsp dry dill, if fresh is unavailable)
- a bit of fresh dill or chives, if preferred, for garnish
Directions
- Crank up the broiler and place the washed red peppers on a rimmed baking sheet. Set the timer for 5 minutes and turn the peppers. Continue roasting and turning every 5 minutes for a total of 25 minutes,or until the skins are largely blackened. Then place the roasted peppers in a deep bowl, cover with cling wrap and let the peppers cool and release their skin. When they have cooled, all you need to do is slough the blackened skin off and rinse the peppers under cold water to remove any remaining black specks, if you are bothered by black specks. The stem and core will pull right out. You can slice the peppers and rinse or wipe the remaining seeds away. Plop the peppers into a shallow sauce pan (or your food processor).
- Add the minced garlic and salt paste to the peppers.
- Add the feta, breadcrumbs, lemon juice and olive oil to the mix. If using dried dill, add it now; if using fresh dill, wait.
- Puree in a food processor or high speed blender.
- When pureed to your taste, taste for salt, adjust, if necessary, and then fold in the chopped fresh dill.
- Transfer the pureed dip to your serving bowl and garnish will a bit of fresh dill or chives, if you have them, and/or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with your favorite chips, crackers or vegetables.
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Adapted recipe and photo from Amos Miller