(Updated on March 06, 2023)
Roasted Bell Pepper Dip is a vegetable-based Mediterranean-style dip that is packed with tons of flavour, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for snacking!
Inspired by the Middle Eastern Muhammara, this vibrant and creamy red pepper dip recipe is next-level delicious and requires just a few ingredients. It has a slightly smoky flavour, a perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness, and just the right amount of zest and savouriness!
Ditch the ketchup and mayonnaise. Elevate your snack game with this red bell pepper dip recipe. It pairs well with all kinds of appetizers, making it a great addition to your party and picnic spreads. The best part is you can prepare it at short notice!
Here is how you can make this roasted bell pepper dip:
Preparation Time: 5 minutes.
Cooking Time: 8 minutes.
Serves: 2 people.
Course: Appetizer.
Cuisine: Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
- 1 Bell Pepper.
- 2 tsp Oil.
- 1 tsp Zilli's Red Onion Powder.
- ½ tsp Zilli's Ginger Powder.
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Flakes.
- 3-4 Sprigs of finely chopped Coriander Leaves.
- 1 tbsp Curd.
- 2 cups of water.
- Salt to taste.
How to Make Roasted Red Bell Pepper Dip:
Roasting the Bell Pepper:
- Brush the red bell pepper with oil.
- Switch your gas stove on and carefully place the bell pepper directly over the open flame.
- Roast the red bell pepper for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep turning it over at regular intervals using a pair of tongs until all sides are charred well.
- After roasting, place the bell pepper in a bowl filled with water to cool it down.
- Peel off the charred parts of the skin.
- Gently cut the bell pepper open and remove the stem and the seeds.
- Chop it into square pieces.
Preparing the Dip:
- Transfer the chopped bell pepper into a blender jar. Add Zilli’s Red Onion Powder, Zilli’s Ginger Powder, and chopped coriander leaves.
- Blend it well into a thick paste.
- Move the blended bell pepper into a bowl. Add salt, curd, and chilli flakes, and whisk it well.
Your red bell pepper dip is ready! Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Red Bell Pepper Dip Recipe:
- Use fresh, firm, and bright red bell peppers. Make sure they are not soft and have no sunken spots.
- If you’re not comfortable roasting your bell pepper directly on an open flame, you can wrap it in aluminium foil or broil it in the oven.
- You can make this dip a few hours or even a day ahead of time. We recommend storing it in the fridge in an airtight container or glass jar.
Variations for Bell Pepper Dip Recipe:
- Muhammara: You can transform this bell pepper dip into an authentic Syrian Muhammara by including just a few more ingredients. Add roasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses (concentrated syrup) for a delicious Middle Eastern twist.
- Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Greek Yoghurt: Replace the curd with Greek yoghurt for a rich and velvety bell pepper dip.
- Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Cream Cheese: Skip on the curd or yoghurt and blend your ingredients with cream cheese for a smooth, mildly sweet, and tangy dip to serve alongside your snacks. It has a creamy mouthfeel and perfectly contrasts the heat from other ingredients.
- Italian Roasted Red Pepper Dip: Elevate this red pepper dip recipe with Italian herbs and seasonings. Add chopped parsley or basil, Zilli’s Garlic Powder, lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, and thyme to make this dip truly “delizioso!”
- Pasta & Pizza Sauce: Make this bell pepper dipping sauce a little thinner, and you can use it as a flavourful sauce for your pasta, spaghetti, and pizza.
Serving Ideas for Roasted Red Bell Pepper Dip:
Serve fresh red pepper dip with an optional garnish of chilli flakes and chopped coriander or parsley.
You can serve this roasted bell pepper dip alongside a variety of snacks, starters, and platters. It pairs excellently with potato chips, crackers, nachos, tortilla chips, pita bread, and garlic naan.
You can use it as a dip for roasted veggies like carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, etc., or even fresh cucumber.
Use this as a dip or topping for your grilled chicken, cooked fish, kebabs, paneer, or tofu. Feeling adventurous? Try it with Vada pav!
Try spreading a layer of this red bell pepper dip inside your sandwiches, wraps, or Frankie rolls for a kick of spice.