Creamy Broccoli-Tahini Dip
This vibrant green, gut-friendly Creamy Broccoli-Tahini Dip is a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional hummus, perfect for healthy snacking or entertaining.
For 4 servings
Prepare the broccoli: Wash the fresh broccoli and chop it into small florets. Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Drain and cool: Carefully drain the cooked broccoli thoroughly using a colander. For best color and to halt the cooking process, you can briefly plunge the drained broccoli into an ice bath, then drain again very well. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Combine ingredients: Transfer the cooled, well-drained broccoli to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the tahini, fresh lemon juice, peeled garlic clove, ground cumin, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Blend to smoothness: Blend on high speed, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor with a spatula. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of cold water and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the dip is too thick for your liking, add additional cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
Season and serve: Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, lemon juice, or cumin to your preference. Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl, drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, and serve immediately with pita bread, fresh vegetable sticks, whole-grain crackers, or as a spread in sandwiches.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure broccoli is very tender: Overcooking the broccoli slightly ensures a super smooth and creamy dip texture, avoiding any fibrous bits.
- 2Adjust water gradually: Add cold water slowly, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your preferred consistency. Too much water can make the dip runny.
- 3Chill for enhanced flavor: While delicious immediately, chilling the dip for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 4Use quality tahini: A good quality, creamy tahini makes a significant difference in the overall flavor and texture of the dip.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the blender for a subtle heat.
Herby FreshnessHerby Freshness
Blend in 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley or cilantro for an extra layer of herbaceous flavor and a brighter green color.
Roasted GarlicRoasted Garlic
Substitute the raw garlic clove with 1-2 cloves of roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower, and more complex garlic flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Nutrients
Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, while tahini provides healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron.
Gut-Friendly
The fiber content from broccoli supports digestive health and contributes to a healthy gut microbiome.
Heart Health
Tahini's healthy monounsaturated fats and broccoli's anti-inflammatory compounds contribute to cardiovascular well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen chopped broccoli. Cook it according to package directions until very tender, then drain thoroughly before blending. Ensure it's not watery.
