MOROCCAN CARROT DIP OVER CUCUMBER SLICES

Posted in Appetizers by

Those who follow my blog might remember we hosted a very special reception at our home a couple of months ago. So far, I only shared one of the recipes here, a focaccia that pleased me even more than my usual version. But my favorite appetizer by far was a carrot dip served over cucumber slices. A contrast of colors, textures, and flavors that pleased every single guest, in fact many asked me for the recipe.  If you are hosting a dinner party, please make a batch of these babies to open the evening. They are light enough that no one will feel overly stuffed before the real meal, and if you go the extra mile and pipe the dip over the cucumber, the presentation is quite stunning. Even if I say so myself…

Carrot Dip Cucumber

MOROCCAN CARROT DIP APPETIZER
(inspired by this recipe)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
Salt
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp freshly ground ginger
⅓ cup water
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
sliced English cucumber
black sesame seeds for decoration (optional)

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet.  Add the carrots and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the coriander, cumin, cinnamon and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the water and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the carrots are fully tender, about 15 minutes.

Add the cooked carrots to a food processor and process until smooth. Stir the remaining tablespoon of oil and vinegar. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until the dip is chilled, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Pipe mounds of the dip over cucumber slices, arrange on a serving platter, sprinkle black sesame seeds on top.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

Appetizer1

Hello there!  We are not only cute, but Paleo-friendly too!  
😉

And now for something completely different. Let me share a small drama associated with the preparation of this plate. Keep in mind that I was already quite stressed and running out of time to get it all ready for the guests. I used a disposable piping bag coupled to a plastic star-shaped piping tip. When I finished piping the last round, I went to the sink to recover, wash and store away the tip. Well, the tip would NOT come out of the bag. I pulled, and pulled, and twisted and pulled.  Just as I told myself I really did not need that grievance, the tip exploded off and behaved like a golf tee after a perfect driver shot: it twirled up in the air, up, up, then down down, falling next to my feet on the floor.  I suspect you know where this is headed. Buck was way faster than me. He grabbed it, ran away to his bed, and started munching on it. I was terrified that he would choke on the tip, but I know better than trying to stick my fingers inside the mouth of a feasting Jack Russell.  Granted, once the tasty carrot stuff was gone, he let go of the tip, good doggie that he is (yeah, right). The piping tool was laid to its final rest in the trash can, totally ruined. But, can you imagine the odds of that? Unreal.  My kitchen must be a really bewitched spot… And I was not even baking a cake this time!

Back to food.  This was definitely one of the tastiest appetizers I’ve ever made, there’s something about the mixture of spices and the sweetness of the carrots… wow!  I tried the dip on Ak Mak crackers, it is great that way too, but please match it with the cucumber slices for a real treat.  I guess we could call it a nobel treat…

😉

Small platter

ONE YEAR AGO: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

TWO YEARS AGO: Cilantro-Jalapeno “Hummus”

THREE YEARS AGO: A Moving Odyssey (three years already!!!!)

SIX YEARS AGO: Shrimp Moqueca

23 thoughts on “MOROCCAN CARROT DIP OVER CUCUMBER SLICES”

  2. A Nobel treat! I like that. These are so cute and sound absolutely delicious. I love that you served it over cucumber. And what would a party be without some party prep drama?! I can only imagine the tip shooting out! At least you didn’t end up with carrot all over. Whew! And I’m very happy Buck was smart enough to ditch it safely. 😉

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    • Kristy, let’s not forget the drama – again associated with Buck – when I prepared the focaccia and took him to the recycle with me, so that he would be kind enough to lock me out of the truck. One wonders how I managed to survive this reception! (martyr, you know… martyr)

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  6. Pingback: MOROCCAN CARROT DIP OVER CUCUMBER SLICES « Marcey's Table

  7. I would have loved being a fly on the wall for this event and I would have sneaked off for one of these dip covered cucumbers!

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  8. Oh Buck: what is Mom talking about – I mean how does one work a car lock, you would not know . . . and that piece of goodie-tasty; well it did fall right at your feet didn’t it 🙂 ? To Mom: don’t blame you one iota for having been happy with that result: this really will be on my menu and then probably future menus too . . .

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  11. I understand why you chose this recipe for your reception. Visually inviting color combo, vegan friendly, healthy and ease of advance prep. These are all valid reasons and exactly why I wanted to try it myself. I made the recipe today as written using the cucumber slice. I sat with piping bag in hand and thought this needs more omph!
    For what it’s worth after trying a number of ‘vehicles’ for the carrot puree I finally settled on a crisp rice cracker with lime salt and cracked black pepper. Since the piping is very easy a whole tray could be done in minutes or It could easily be served with the puree as a dip and crackers on the side.
    The recipe deserves recognition because it is easy, inexpensive, prepped in advance and an intriguing flavor. Very nice choice.

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