Mutabal Silik/ Swiss Chard Stalks Dip
Description
In Lebanese culture, throwing away food is considered a bad omen. Our ancestors created recipes for every part of an ingredient, including the stalks of Swiss chard, which they transformed into a delicious dip known locally as mutabal silik. Little known in the West, it deserves a spot among the favorite dips alongside hummus, baba ghanouj, and muhammara.
Ingredients
- 450 g 1 lb Swiss chard stalks
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 large garlic clove crushed
- ½ cup tahini
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place the Swiss chard stalks in a pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then add the sugar. Cover and cook over low heat for 25 minutes, or until tender. Drain well to remove any excess liquid.
- Transfer the stalks to a bowl. Roughly mash them using a mortar and pestle, or use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture. Add the lemon juice and process to a rough paste. Add the crushed garlic, tahini, and salt, mix well, and transfer to a plate.
- Create a well in the middle of the dip using the back of a spoon. Add some olive oil to the well and serve with pita bread.
Video
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