Houria with a Twist

Ingredients

• 6 ripe tomatoes, diced (900g / 2 lbs) 6 ripe tomatoes, diced (900g / 2 lbs)
• 2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and diced (300g / 10.5 oz) 2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and diced (300g / 10.5 oz)
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (30g / 1 oz) 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (30g / 1 oz)
• 2 serrano peppers, seeded and finely chopped (30g / 1 oz) 2 serrano peppers, seeded and finely chopped (30g / 1 oz)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the skin is charred and blistered.
3. 3.
   Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and dice the roasted peppers.
4. 4.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, serrano peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a food processor, blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Transfer the Houria to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve chilled with bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Peppers — Roasting the bell peppers adds a smoky flavor to the dip. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeno and serrano peppers or remove the seeds before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of hot sauce to the Houria.
• Adjust the spiciness according to your preference by adding more or fewer jalapeno and serrano peppers.
• To make the dip creamier, you can add a tablespoon of tahini or Greek yogurt.

Serving advice

Serve Houria as a dip alongside warm pita bread, crispy pita chips, or a platter of fresh vegetables. It also pairs well with grilled meats or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Houria with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few fresh cilantro leaves to enhance its visual appeal. Serve it in a colorful ceramic bowl to showcase the vibrant red color of the dip.