Making the Best Dips with Oils
Are you ready to jazz up your snacks with some seriously tasty dips? Well, you have come to the right place! Today, we are going to talk about the deliciousness that makes our burgers, fries, pasta and snacks finger-licking good.
Oils!
They add richness, depth, and a silky texture that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, they are super adaptable and can be paired with various flavors. Think of them as the smooth operators of your kitchen pantry!
The Basics
Before we get into recipes, let’s discuss the stars of the show — our oils. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular oils and what they bring to the table:
- Olive Oil: The classic choice. It’s fruity, slightly peppery, and perfect for Mediterranean-inspired dips.
- Avocado Oil: Mild and buttery, this one’s great for adding a rich texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flair. Best for dips with a bit of an exotic twist.
- Sesame Oil: Nutty and aromatic, sesame oil is a powerhouse for Asian-inspired dips.
- Sunflower Oil: Light and neutral, it lets the other ingredients shine. Great for when you want a clean slate to build on.
Getting Started
With the oils lined up, here’s the breakdown of how to get started. The beauty of making dips is that you can be as creative or as simple as you want.
- Choose Your Base: This could be anything from yoghurt and sour cream to chickpeas and avocados. The base will determine the texture and overall vibe of your dip.
- Add Some Flavor: Think spices, herbs, and alliums (like garlic and onions). Fresh, dried, roasted — mix and match to your heart’s content.
- Drizzle It On: This is where your oil comes in. Drizzle a bit on top, or mix it into your dip for an extra layer of flavor and smoothness.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste as you go. A little salt, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra splash of oil can make all the difference.
Recipe Time!
Restaurant-Style Olive Oil Bread Dip
Give your guests a few pieces of bread with a soft middle and crusty exterior, along with this dipping oil, and they will happily munch on it until they’re stuffed. A glass of wine will make the perfect pairing, and for the final touch, a bowl of ice cream. The ideal combination of garlic, herbs, and thick, fragrant olive oil is what makes this bread dipping oil so delicious.
Ingredients
- Garlic Clove: 1 Tsp (Minced)
- Dried Basil: 1 Tbsp
- Dried Oregano: 1 Tbsp
- Dried Parsley: 1 Tbsp
- Onion Powder: 2 Tsp
- Black Pepper: 2 Tsp
- Red Pepper Flakes: 2 Tsp
- Kosher Salt: ½ Tsp
- Dried Thyme: 1 Tsp
- Dried Rosemary: ½ Tsp
- Garlic Powder: ½ Tsp
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except olive oil, parmesan cheese, and garlic. If you plan to make the mixture in a large quantity and store it for later use, skip the minced garlic.
- Mix exactly 1 tablespoon of the mixture with ½ cup of olive oil when using it. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if preferred.
With the minced garlic, the shelf-life of the mixture is 6 months.
Classic Hummus
Hummus has a rich history and cultural significance in Middle Eastern cuisine. Hummus is often a central part of mezze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers.
Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, our hummus is the perfect snack for health enthusiasts. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. It boasts a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or even as a salad dressing. It’s smooth enough to please the most discerning palates.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas: 1 Can (15 Oz.)
- Fresh Lemon Juice: ¼ Cup
- Well-Stirred Tahini: ¼ Cup
- Garlic Clove: 1 (Minced)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 Tbsp
- Ground Cumin: ½ Tbsp
- A Pinch of Salt
- Water: 3 Tbsp
- Sumac or Paprika (For Garnish)
- Fresh Parsley (Chopped for Garnish)
- Black Olives (For Garnish)
Directions
- Combine the lemon juice and tahini in a blender. Process for about 1 minute, then scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and process for another 30 seconds. This extra time helps whip the tahini, making the hummus smooth and creamy.
- Add the cumin, minced garlic, olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Process for about 30 seconds, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again, and then process another 30 seconds or until well blended.
- Add half a can of the chickpeas to the blender and process for 1 minute. Add the remaining chickpeas and blend for 2 minutes until thick and quite smooth.
- With the blender running, add 2 tablespoons of water until the hummus reaches your desired consistency. If needed, you can add a bit more water to reach creamy consistency.
- Taste for salt and adjust as needed. Add a little more lemon juice for a bit more tang.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or sumac, black olives, and chopped parsley if desired.
Tropical Coconut Dip
This dip pairs wonderfully with various fresh fruits, such as apple slices, strawberries, pineapple chunks, or banana slices. For a savory contrast, try serving it with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. At snack time, you can enjoy it with lightly salted crackers for a little crunch or pita chips.
Ingredients
- Greek Yoghurt: 1 Cup
- Coconut Oil: 2 Tbsp
- Maple Syrup: 1 Tbsp
- Vanilla Extract: ½ Tsp
- A Pinch of Salt
- Shredded Coconut: ¼ Cup
- Crushed Pineapple: ¼ Cup (Optional)
- Ground Cinnamon: ¼ Teaspoon
Directions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in the shredded coconut, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
- If you are using crushed pineapple, gently fold it into the mixture. The pineapple adds a nice burst of fruity flavor and complements the coconut beautifully.
- Add the ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning if necessary.
Creamy Avocado Dip
The avocado oil dip is a gourmet delight that combines the best of fresh, ripe avocados and premium avocado oil. Whether you are hosting a party, enjoying family snack time, or looking for a healthy addition to your meals, this dip is the perfect companion.
Ingredients
- Avocados: 2
- Avocado Oil: 3 Tbsp
- Garlic Clove: 1 (Minced)
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 Tbsp
- Sea Salt: ½ Tsp
- Black Pepper: ¼ Tsp
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ Cup
- Jalapeño: 1
- Diced Tomatoes: ¼ Cup
- Diced Red Onion: ¼ Cup
Directions
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl.
- Mash the avocados using a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. For a chunkier dip, mash lightly; for a smoother dip, mash thoroughly.
- Pour the avocado oil over the mashed avocados. The oil will add a rich, buttery flavor and a smooth texture to the dip.
- Add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can fold in the finely chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, diced tomatoes, and diced red onion. These ingredients will add freshness, a slight kick of heat, and texture to the dip.
- Transfer the avocado oil dip to a serving bowl. For a pop of color, garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro or a few diced tomatoes.
Sesame Dipping Sauce
This sesame oil dip is a flavorful condiment that pairs beautifully with various dishes. Whether you are looking to enhance the taste of dumplings, fresh vegetables, or grilled meats, it offers a nutty and savory complement.
If you love a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce or chili oil. For those who prefer a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, increase the honey and lime juice. This dip is perfect for spring rolls or fried chicken fingers.
Ingredients
- Sesame Oil: ¼ Cup
- Soy Sauce: 2 Tbsp
- Rice Vinegar: 1 Tbsp
- Garlic: 2 Cloves (Minced)
- Ginger: 1 Tsp (Grated)
- Honey: 1 Tsp (Optional)
- Sesame Seeds: 1 Tbsp
- Scallions: 2 (Finely Chopped)
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ Tsp
- Lime Juice: 1 Tbsp
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Directions
- Mince the garlic cloves and grate the ginger. Freshly grated ginger works best for its robust flavor.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant or for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey (if using), and lime juice.
- Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions.
- Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and enjoy with your favorite snacks.
Sunflower Oil Herb Dip
Sunflower oil, known for its light and mild flavor, is an excellent base for various dips. It pairs well with various ingredients. For a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor, try using roasted garlic instead of raw garlic.
Experience the bright, tangy notes of lemon juice paired with the aromatic delight of parsley, dill, and chives. Each bite gives your taste buds a kick, making you go in with that little bit of chip again.
Ingredients
- Sunflower Oil: ½ Cup
- Greek Yoghurt: ½ Cup
- Garlic Clove: 1 (Minced)
- Lemon Juice: 1 Tbsp
- Fresh Parsley: 1 Tbsp (Finely Chopped)
- Fresh Dill: 1 Tbsp (Finely Chopped)
- Fresh Chives: 1 Tbsp (Finely Chopped)
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Dijon Mustard: 1 Tsp
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil and Greek yoghurt until well blended. This creates a creamy base for your dip.
- Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, dill, and chives. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If you are using Dijon mustard, stir it in now for an added layer of flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the dip chilled with a variety of dippable items such as fresh vegetables, crackers, or bread. This dip also works well as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
The Chip Dip
Elevate your snack game with this luxurious Olive Oil Chip Dip, crafted with the finest extra-virgin olive oil and a symphony of fresh herbs. Perfect for any occasion, this dip is designed to impress and delight! Infused with grated Parmesan cheese, our dip offers a delightful blend of savory and tangy notes.
Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ Cup
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ Cup (Grated)
- Fresh Rosemary: 1 Tbsp (Chopped)
- Fresh Thyme: 1 Tbsp (Chopped)
- Garlic: 1 Clove (Minced)
- Lemon Zest: ½ Tsp
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ Tsp
- Balsamic Vinegar: ¼ Cup
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, and adjust as needed based on your preference.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar for a bit of tanginess. This step is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the dip.
- Allow the dip to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and intensify.
- Serve with your favorite chips, such as pita chips, tortilla chips, or even fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and bell peppers.
Note: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for about a week. Give it a good stir before serving again.
The beauty of making dips with oils lies not only in their ability to complement various foods but also in their adaptability. The right oil can transform your culinary creations from simple appetizers to elaborate spreads. Experimenting with different oils allows you to discover new flavor profiles and textures, making your dips more exciting and enjoyable.
Transform every meal into a masterpiece with Maverik Oils – crafted to bring out the best in your kitchen and deliver exceptional flavor and nutrition.