The Dip: Labneh with Chili Oil

 
 
 
 

If you're anything like us, you've been following Alison Roman's viral recipes. Every time something seemingly simple is renamed like, "The Dip," we're like, really? But then we make the recipe and sure enough, it's simple, approachable and a crowd pleaser.

This dip with sizzled scallions and chili oil is no different. Labneh is strained yogurt and while delicious, it's not as easy for us to find, so feel free to use Alison's own suggestion of full-fat Greek yogurt as an alternative. Simply mix the base of labneh or Greek yogurt with lemon juice, pepper and plenty of salt. Then top it with oil you've infused (in a matter of minutes) with chili flakes, scallions and cilantro. This is great with boiled baby potatoes, really any vegetable or pita, crackers, chips...you name it. The result is a lusciously creamy dip that tastes like the sour cream and onion chips we grew up on. Did we mention it's beautiful? Whether you're planning a party, need to bring a snack in your backpack to a weeknight birthday or want to just want to watch The Voice and nosh—this dip is perfect. — Dak & Ju

 

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 4 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced

  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)

  • Flakey sea salt

  • Freshly ground pepper

  • 2 cups labneh or full fat Greek yogurt or sour cream

  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

 

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil, scallions, crushed red pepper flakes, and cilantro in a small pot over medium-low heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the scallions and red pepper flakes start tovisually and audibly sizzle and turn the oil a bright orange (note: if your oil doesn’t turn red or orange, your chili flakes might be old - just keep an eye on your oil).

  2. Combine Labneh and lemon juice in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper - taste and add more salt if you need. Spoon into a bowl and swirl in the sizzled scallion mixture. Top with extra cilantro, if you like.

  3. Serve with small boiled potatoes, vegetables, pita chips, potato chips are really anything you think will taste good dipped in a salty, slightly spice, creamy dip!

Makes 2 cups