Easy dips at home - spread the word

Do you love creating food from scratch? In just a few steps you can make an easy homemade vegetable spread or dip packed full of nutrition and natural goodness.

With a little help

If you’ve got a blender, processor or stick mixer then you’re already half way there. Whether you want your dip chunky, thick, spreadable or with unique ingredients, it’s up to you!

Basic ingredients

Chickpeas are a great base for any spread or dip, or for a saltier base, try a cheese like feta, cream cheese or ricotta. Smooth out a dip or spread with splashes of olive oil. There’s nothing better than adding texture to your dip with a dose of nuts – walnuts, pine nuts, pecans, almonds and pistachios make a delicious addition. Leave the crackers in the pantry and use vegetables as the healthiest dipping instruments with this tasty yoghurt dip.

The vegetables

There are so many delicious vegetables that can be the hero of your homemade spread or dip such as beetroot, pumpkin, carrot, capsicum, tomatoes, eggplant and avocado. You can also plunder the pantry for beans, lentils, chickpeas, dried tomatoes.

Taste makers

Herbs like mint, basil, chives, dill, parsley, coriander or thyme are amazing taste makers. But let’s not forget the good old salt and pepper, and spices such as turmeric, paprika, cumin and cayenne pepper to give an extra hit. Garlic, a spoon of tahini and parmesan cheese will add something special.

Here’s some inspiration to kick-start your creations:

Roasted capsicum spread

Ingredients:

Three roasted capsicum, skin removed
100 grams of feta
Small clove of garlic
Salt and pepper
Sundried tomato (optional)

Preparation: Cut the roasted capsicum into pieces. Cube feta. Grind well in the blender/processor and add the garlic clove (pressed or finely chopped). Mix again and add salt and pepper to your desired taste. If you’d like to mix it up a bit, add some dried tomatoes to the mixture. Enjoy smothered on a sandwich or as a dip!

Dipje