California-style Roasted Nut Dip

Ingredients

In this California-style adaptation, we incorporate the essence of Armenian Bazhe by using roasted nuts as the base of the dip. However, we infuse it with the flavors of California cuisine by adding fresh herbs and citrus to brighten the dish. The result is a creamy and nutty dip with a refreshing twist that captures the essence of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Bazhe, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (150g) almonds, roasted 1 cup (150g) almonds, roasted
• 1 cup (150g) walnuts, roasted 1 cup (150g) walnuts, roasted
• 1/2 cup (75g) pistachios, roasted 1/2 cup (75g) pistachios, roasted
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   Spread the almonds, walnuts, and pistachios on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Allow the nuts to cool, then transfer them to a food processor.
4. 4.
   Add the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
5. 5.
   Pulse the mixture until it reaches a creamy consistency, scraping down the sides as needed.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. 7.
   Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired.
8. 8.
   Serve with crispy vegetables, crackers, or toasted bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to roast the almonds until they are lightly golden and fragrant to enhance their flavor in the dip.
• Walnuts — Roasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils and adds a rich nuttiness to the dip.
• Pistachios — Use roasted and unsalted pistachios for a subtle crunch and delicate flavor in the dip.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to ensure it blends smoothly into the dip.
• Fresh herbs — Chop the fresh parsley and cilantro just before adding them to the dip to retain their vibrant flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or tahini to the dip.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Experiment with different combinations of roasted nuts, such as cashews or hazelnuts, to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top of the dip before serving for an added touch of richness.
• Make a double batch of the dip and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the California-style Roasted Nut Dip in a shallow bowl or platter, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs. Surround it with an assortment of colorful vegetables, such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips, for dipping. Provide a variety of crackers and toasted bread slices for a satisfying and flavorful appetizer.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some crushed roasted nuts on top of the dip. Serve it on a wooden board or a decorative platter to create an inviting and rustic look. Add a pop of color by arranging fresh herb sprigs around the dip. Serve with small individual plates or bowls for each guest to enjoy.