Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 8 peeled garlic cloves, halved or quartered depending on size
- 2 cups green (hulled) pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons diced green serrano or jalapeno chilies
- ¾ cup apple juice
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ cup apple juice or water, to adjust texture of spread
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (Optional)
Reasons You'll Love It
Chef's Cooking Tips
- Use a food processor for a smoother texture.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually to balance the flavors perfectly.
Step 1
Place the garlic pieces in a cold, dry skillet and add some vegetable oil. Cook the garlic gently over low heat, stirring now and then, until it softens but doesn’t brown—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s tender, take the skillet off the heat and let the garlic cool right there in the oil.
Step 2
Put the pumpkin seeds in another dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes until they’re hot and fragrant but not browned. Take them off the heat and transfer the seeds to a bowl.
Step 3
In the same skillet, heat a bit more vegetable oil over high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and Serrano pepper and cook until the edges start to brown and get a little charred, about 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in the apple juice, lower the heat to medium, and simmer until the liquid reduces down to a syrupy consistency—this should take around 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Step 4
Now, add the toasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro leaves, the onion and pepper mixture, the softened garlic with its oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to your food processor. Pulse everything on and off, scraping down the sides as needed, until you get a coarse paste. If it feels too thick, add a few tablespoons of apple juice or water to loosen it up—apple juice will give it a touch of sweetness.
Step 5
Keep processing until the dip is as smooth as you like it. Transfer it to a bowl, cover, and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours to chill. Before serving, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning or acidity with a little more salt or some apple cider vinegar if you think it needs it.
