Chickpea Curry Paste Dip (Printable Version)

Blended chickpeas with curry spices create a creamy, aromatic paste ideal for dipping, spreading, or as a flavorful base.

# What You Need:

→ Chickpea Base

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 2 tbsp tahini

→ Aromatics & Spices

03 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
04 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
05 - 1 tbsp curry powder
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
08 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

→ Creamy Ingredients

09 - 3 tbsp olive oil
10 - 2-4 tbsp cold water (as needed for texture)

→ Seasoning

11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cayenne (if using), olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or high-powered blender.
02 - Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired creamy consistency is reached.
03 - Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or curry powder if desired.
04 - Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and a sprinkle of curry powder, if desired.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in ten minutes flat, which means you can make it while your kettle boils or while guests are still taking off their shoes.
  • One batch lasts almost a week in the fridge, and it somehow tastes even better on day three when all those spices have gotten properly acquainted.
  • It works as a dip, a sandwich spread, a grain bowl base, or even thinned out as a quick sauce, so it pays for itself in versatility.
02 -
  • The moment water hits this paste, it starts softening, so add it gradually and taste frequently—a slightly thick paste is always better than one that's turned into soup.
  • Raw garlic mellows out over a day or two in the fridge, so if you make this ahead for a gathering, it'll actually taste more balanced the next day than it does fresh.
03 -
  • If you find that store-bought curry powder tastes stale when you open it, buy from a shop with higher turnover or invest in a small jar from a spice company—the difference is night and day.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half in ice cube trays; defrost cubes as needed and you've got instant seasoning base for so many other dishes.
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