Dip

Creamy avocado hummus, where have you been all our lives?

A little bit of coconut oil make this curried hummus a complete dream.

This bright pink and super creamy hummus is a party showstopper.

Harissa + hummus = heaven.

There’s no shortcut when it comes to caramelizing the onions—be patient.

Adding water is key to a smooth and spoonable consistency.

Beer + cheese = the best combination ever.

Blooming the spices—i.e., warming them in oil until they’re fragrant—awakens them and brings out a toasty flavor.

A legendary layered dip from Matt’s El Rancho in Austin, Texas, of taco meat, queso, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Golden raisins would also work nicely in this yogurt dip recipe instead of the dried apricots. You want a little sweet to play against the bite of the garlic and the brightness of the herbs.

Available in the spring, green garlic is somewhat less intense than grown-up garlic, but still very pungent and extra-juicy. The dairy fat and tang of the labneh provide cooling balance.

If you can find Chihuahua cheese for this, use it! If not, Monterey Jack can be subbed. Not the same, but still crazy good!

Think of this as a universal buttermilk ranch dressing that you could use to dunk your veggies or onion rings or drizzle onto your pizza.

Like a lighter riff on a classic French onion dip, this yogurt-based dip is just begging for chips or crackers. The texture will make you pause before reaching for sour cream–based ever again. We suggest using low-fat Greek yogurt (we like Fage and Wallaby brands). Fat-free is astringent and chalky, and the richness of full-fat can drown out other flavors.

Be patient: The goal is to char the eggplants beyond recognition.

There’s a method to making baba ghanoush. And it applies to way more than eggplant.

There’s a method to making baba ghanoush. And it applies to way more than eggplant.

There’s a method to making baba ghanoush. And it applies to way more than eggplant.

The beets are steam-roasted till tender, then deep-fried, so you don’t have to worry about cooking them through after they’re breaded.

Intentionally burning vegetables—it’s a thing! The burnt onion powder adds a smoky, slightly bitter finish to the rich dip, and is responsible for the black part of this tuxedo-inspired crudite.