Dips

Dips add colour to your starters and also make usual snacks interesting. Generally, green chutney and tamarind chutneys are made along with starters. Here I am going to share simple recipes for dips which taste unique and also starters you can serve them with.

1. Tartar sauce
This sauce is generally found with crisps. It can be served with nacho chips, crisps, french fries, potato wedges, garlic bread as well as kebabs. This sauce is easy to make and can be stored in air tight containers in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Ingredients
White sesame seeds (til) about a 25 gms
Curd hung and beaten ( you can use masti dahi or low fat Greek yoghurt as well)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Mayonnaise 2-3 tablespoons

Method
Crush the sesame seeds and mix it with the hung curd. Beat well till the curd is thick and creamy. Add mayonnaise and beat well again. Make sure the curd does not start losing water. Add salt and pepper. Mix well. Refrigerate before serving. Top with a sprig of Cilantro to serve.

2. Cheese dip
This dip is easy to make and can be served with nacho chips. For that something different starter layer it over hot french fries to make cheesy fries. This dip should be consumed as soon as you make it avoid storing in the fridge.

Ingredients
Cheese spread (salted unflavoured)
Curd hung and beaten ( you can use masti dahi or low fat Greek yoghurt as well)

Method
In the beaten curd add the cheese spread. Beat well till thick and creamy. The cheesy dip is ready. Top with a sprig of Cilantro to serve.

PS: You need not add salt as the cheese spread has salt. You can also add pepper if you like.

3. Salsa
Salsa is a Mexican dip which is eaten with every starter imaginable. There are a lot of variations but here I am going to show you the simplest method.

Ingredients
Tomatoes diced 3 large
Garlic cloves muddled
Tomato puree 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Green chilli chopped in small pieces
Cilantro to add in the sauce and a sprig to decorate

Method
In a bowl put the tomato pieces. Add garlic and tomato puree. Mix well. Add salt, pepper, green chilli and cilantro. Mix well. Add a sprig of cilantro and serve.

PS: The salsa recipe is for people who like mild food. In case you like spicy food, add extra green chillies but avoid extra garlic it could leave a burning taste in the mouth.

4. Cilantro and Mint dip
This dip is a very unique and refreshing dip. Serve it with kebabs or have it as a side dish with your main course this recipe is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Ingredients
Mint (Pudina) 12-15 leaves washed and muddled
Cilantro (Corriander) 12-15 leaves washed and muddled
Curd hung and beaten ( you can use masti dahi or low fat Greek yoghurt as well)
Salt to taste
Red chilli powder to taste
A sprig of mint and cilantro to decorate

Method
Add the muddled Mint and Cilantro leaves to the beaten curd. Beat again. Add salt and red chilli powder and beat till creamy. By this time the dip will be light green in colour. Add a sprig of mint and cilantro to garnish and refrigerate.

PS: This dip is best served chilled. After you make it make sure you refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.