Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Sun Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip is a flavorful and aromatic appetizer perfect for sharing. Rich with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant herbs, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1 to 2 grated garlic cloves
• 1 small finely diced shallot
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 to 2 tsp red chili flakes
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes into a small pot; you should have about 1/2 cup of oil. Roughly chop 1/3 cup of the sun-dried tomatoes from the jar and stir them into the oil to infuse extra tomato flavor.
2. Step 2: Add the grated garlic, finely diced shallot, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked or sweet paprika, and red chili flakes to the pot with the oil and chopped tomatoes. Place over low heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the oil is warm and the aromatics release their flavors.
3. Step 3: Place the grated parmesan cheese in a serving bowl. Carefully pour the hot flavored oil mixture over the cheese, allowing it to melt slightly and blend. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately with your favorite bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor or sweet paprika for a milder taste.
• Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the heat level of the dip.
• Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a small pan over low heat to soften the parmesan again before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in water instead of oil?

Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are best for this recipe as the oil carries much of the flavor. If using water-packed, you can add some good quality olive oil to compensate.

What can I serve this dip with besides bread?

This dip is delicious with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers, as well as crackers or toasted pita chips.

Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

This Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip is a flavorful and aromatic appetizer perfect for serving with crusty bread. It combines rich sun-dried tomatoes infused oil, garlic, shallots, dried herbs, and paprika simmered to perfection, then poured over grated Parmesan cheese and topped with fresh basil for a deliciously savory and slightly spicy dip.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sun-Dried Tomato Oil Base

• 1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil

Aromatics and Spices

• 1 to 2 grated garlic cloves
• 1 small finely diced shallot
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 to 2 tsp red chili flakes

Finishing

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Oil Base: Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar into a pot, reserving about 1/2 cup of oil. Roughly chop 1/3 cup of the sun-dried tomatoes from the jar and add them into the oil. This step infuses the oil with extra tomato flavor, forming the base of the dip.
2. Simmer Aromatics and Spices: Add grated garlic, finely diced shallot, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked or sweet paprika, and red chili flakes to the pot with the oil and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Place the pot over low heat and gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the oil to warm through and the aromatics to release their flavors, enhancing depth and complexity.
3. Assemble the Dipping Oil: Place the grated parmesan cheese in a serving bowl. Carefully pour the hot flavored oil mixture over the cheese to slightly melt it and let the flavors meld. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a bright and herbaceous finish. Serve immediately with your favorite bread for dipping.

Notes

• Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor or sweet paprika for a milder taste.
• Adjust the quantity of red chili flakes to control the spiciness of the dip.
• The dip is best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
• Serve with crusty bread or crackers for the best experience.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Mediterranean dip, sun-dried tomato dip, garlic olive oil dip, appetizer recipe, Parmesan dip, easy party dip