Turmeric and Pistachio Dip

853:full853:full

In my kitchen I always like to have ingredients on hand that will let me make a tasty and decadent snack with a minimum of fuss. All ingredients into the blender, “press play” for 20 seconds or so, and voilà a delicious dip is ready and waiting. This Turmeric and Pistachio Dip is a favourite example, as not only are all the ingredients nourishing and healthy but they can all be stored easily in the fridge or pantry on the ready.

Yet I love to step outside to our kitchen garden for one of the ingredients, namely to pick fresh parsley. If you don’t yet own your very own continental, flat-leaf parsley plant then I strongly encourage you to plant one as soon as you get a moment. Parsley is such a generous, sturdy and rewarding herb! The taste is not only vibrant but it is rich in flavonoid antioxidants and a good source of potassium, calcium and iron. Therefore I use parsley in as many savoury dishes as I can, as well as due to it being a super-rich source of vitamin K. This vitamin has been scientifically recognised as a contributor to bone mineral density and a provider of potentially increased protection agains osteoporosis. For all of us healthy exercise fans, it’s a no-brainer to include lots of this in our diet!

turmeric & pistachio dip

In addition many of this dip’s ingredients are of Mediterranean heritage, such as the olive oil, nuts and turmeric. Great research is indicating that the Mediterranean diet is good for not only lowering heart disease risk, hut according to a 2017 article published in the journal Neurology also possibly provides the brain with long-term protection. Interestingly, the results of a study regarding diet and mental health were just published today in the international journal BMC medicine. Most noteworthy are the findings that following the guidelines of a Mediterranean diet can have a positive influence in fighting against depression. Professor Felice Jacka, director of Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre, said that “the immune system, brain plasticity, and gut microbiota seem to be central not just to our physical health, but also our mental health. And diet, of course, is the main factor that affects the gut microbiota.” That’s great mood-booster news indeed!

I couldn’t be happier to support my gut health, mental health, brain health and physical stamina with this delicious flavour combination. Now there’s plenty of healthy, nourishing reasons to pull up a chair and start shelling some pistachios! ?

turmeric & pistachio dip

Turmeric and Pistachio dip

Ingredients

2 small garlic cloves
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
50g pistachio nuts, shelled
50g tahini (hulled)
50g lemon juice (freshly squeezed from 1 large lemon)
3 semi-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoon parsley leaves
4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 tablespoon water (or additional if a smoother consistency is preferred)
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
generous grind of black pepper

Thermomix method

  • Place all ingredients into bowl and blend for 20sec/speed 5, or until desired consistency is reached.

Food Processor or Blender Method

  • Place all ingredients into bowl and blend continuously until the ingredients are finely chopped and a uniform texture has formed.