RECIPE: Moroccan Carrot Dip

Yield: 4 – 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped into large pieces

1 clove garlic, peeled and left whole

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 pinch cayenne pepper

sea salt, to taste

1 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp seedless green olives (whole or chopped) [optional]

2 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves [optional]

4-6 rounds flat bread or pita pocket bread

Procedure:

1. Cook the chopped carrot and garlic in simmering, salted water, for about 20 minutes or until soft. Drain well, then return them to the hot, dry pan for a minute or two, over medium heat, to dry them out further.

2. Place carrots and garlic in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the cumin, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, sea salt, honey and lemon juice and process again. With the machine still running, add the olive oil gradually. Allow to cool.

3. Spoon into a serving bowl, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, scatter with olives and cilantro leaves (if using), and serve with lightly warmed flat bread or pita.

Submitted by Stephanie Leonard