Spinach & Tahini Dip Recipe – Easy Indian-Inspired Appetizer

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spinach & Tahini Dip Recipe – Easy Indian-Inspired Appetizer

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this incredibly easy and flavorful Spinach & Tahini Dip with you. It’s become a total go-to for me when I’m having friends over, or honestly, just want a healthy and delicious snack. It’s inspired by the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, but with a little twist – and it comes together in just 10 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip is seriously addictive. It’s creamy, bright, and packed with goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it with pita chips, veggies, or even spread it on toast for a quick lunch. I first made this when I was craving something fresh and flavorful, and it’s been a hit ever since. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens too!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dip:

• 1 cup Spinach Leaves
• ½ cup Frozen Green Peas
• 1 can (approx. 400g) Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• Salt to taste
• Black Pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp Tahini
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little tips can really elevate this dip.

• Tahini: This sesame seed paste is amazing. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, but it’s actually been used in Indian cooking for centuries! It adds a wonderful nutty flavor and creaminess. Look for good quality tahini – the flavor really makes a difference.
• Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas: These are a protein powerhouse and a staple in so many Indian dishes, from chana masala to street food snacks. Using canned chickpeas makes this recipe super quick, but you can definitely use home-cooked ones if you prefer. About 1 ½ cups of cooked chickpeas equals one 400g can.
• Olive Oil: While traditionally Indian cooking uses ghee or mustard oil, a good quality olive oil adds a lovely fruity note that complements the tahini and spinach beautifully. It’s a little modern twist I love!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, grab your food processor. Add in the spinach, frozen peas, drained garbanzo beans, and those lovely garlic cloves.
2. Now, add the tahini, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the lemon juice – it really brightens everything up!
3. Blend it all together until it’s super smooth. You might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times to make sure everything gets incorporated.
4. Finally, transfer the dip to a serving dish. A little drizzle of extra olive oil on top looks beautiful, and adds a lovely richness.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned while making this dip over and over again:

• Don’t over-blend! You want it smooth, but not completely liquid.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your liking.
• If your tahini is very thick, you might need to add a tablespoon or two of water to get the right consistency.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your pita chips are vegan-friendly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend Priya loves a kick, so she adds a small green chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the food processor. It’s delicious!
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply serve with gluten-free pita chips or veggie sticks.
• Festival Adaptation: I often make a big batch of this for Diwali or other celebrations and serve it as part of a larger mezze platter with other dips, snacks, and appetizers. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Serving Suggestions

This dip is so versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With pita chips (whole wheat are great!)
• With crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers
• Spread on toasted bread or crackers
• As a sauce for grilled chicken or fish

Storage Instructions

Leftover dip? No problem! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It might thicken up a bit, so just add a splash of water and stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What kind of pita chips pair best with this dip? I love whole wheat pita chips, but any flavor you like will work! Everything bagel pita chips are also amazing.
• Can I make this dip ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it up to 2 days in advance. The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully.
• Is tahini a good substitute for peanut butter in other recipes? It can be, but the flavor is quite different. Tahini is more savory and nutty, while peanut butter is sweeter.
• How can I adjust the consistency of the dip? Add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Yes, you can! About ¾ cup of fresh peas would be a good substitute.