3.28.2011

Hurry Up Spring Radish and Herb Dip


Oh spring. Hurry up and get here, please? We've had enough cold weather and heavy sweaters, hats and mittens.  Please bring on warmer weather, longer and sunnier days and fresh new spring produce. Pretty please? What if I give you a little nudge with a spring inspired dip. Would that help remind you to come to Boston?


This dip was inspired by a craving for lighter fare and something that reminded me of spring.  To me, radishes actually taste like spring, if that makes any sense at all. When they're fresh and young and thinly sliced, they provide a fantastic crunch and a refreshingly sweet earthy and slightly peppery note to a dish.  I also find the contrast of the radish's vibrant fuchsia colored skin against its clean white center to be a fresh and beautiful addition too. With regards to this dip, the chopped radishes provide a slightly pink tinge and their fresh flavor is heightened by some fresh lemon zest.  Adding to that, I used a bunch of fresh herbs because to me, fresh herbs signify spring, especially parsley.  Often times I find that parsley is just haphazardly sprinkled onto a dish at the end just to say that the dish is garnished.  While fresh parsley does provide a beautifully bright hue that perks up an otherwise bland looking dish, I think that the bright and almost slightly citrusy flavor of parsley is so versatile and so under appreciated at the same time.  While you could certainly use dried herbs here, I'd recommend at least using fresh, flat leaf parsley because the flavor of fresh cannot be matched by dried. (My recipe below is for fresh herbs and if you decide to go the dry herb route, just cut the measurements in half.)


What's best is just how easy this dip is to make.  From start to finish it takes about 10 minutes to make.  For best results, make a couple hours ahead or even a day in advance so that all the flavors have more time to come together.  For serving, I thought the crunch of carrots went well with this dip but you could use any fresh vegetable.  You could also hollow out a nice pumpernickel bread to make a bread bowl for this dip or you could serve it with warm slices of baguette.

Spring Radish Herb Dip


2 cups sour cream
6 radishes, cleaned and finely diced
3 TBS fresh parsley, roughly chopped
2 tsp dill, roughly chopped
2 tsp thyme, roughly chopped
2 tsp chives, roughly chopped
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine all the above ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly to combine. Season to taste and adjust herb amounts to taste.  Serve with fresh, raw vegetables or sliced pieces of bread.

17 comments:

Elizabeth said...

It's so close! I can feel it. The spring veggies are coming!

Alicia said...

This looks so delicious and so springy.
Can you believe I have never had a radish? Tis the season to give them a whirl!

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

This certainly looks light and refreshing for spring!

Molly said...

I've become a total radish junkie this month. And I don't see an end to this obsession any time soon. I shall add this tasty-looking dip to the list. Thanks!

Emily @ A Cambridge Story said...

Mmm! Spring-like indeed. Asparagus really reminds me of Spring.

Melissa said...

Sounds delicious and your photos are amazing as usual!

RecipEngineer said...

Looks delicious! I always try to include radishes in my spring/summer salads, but rarely find other ways to use them. Thanks!

Delicious Dishings said...

Ooh I already have about half of these ingredients at home. If I get to the store soon, I know what I'm making!

Michelle Collins said...

This looks like such a light, spring and summer-time dip. Thanks for the recipe!

Boston Food Diary said...

Mmmm I lOVE that you used Radishes! They are so the forgotten veggie- lovely!

Justin said...

I sorta just started eating radishes, but I really like them. I'll have to try this one out.

Barbara | VinoLuciStyle said...

Beautiful looking dip and a good idea for radishes. I don't dislike them but I also don't love them just raw so this is a great blend of ingredients to utilize their punch without overwhelming my palate!

Kimmy Bingham said...

I absolutely LOVE radishes, and am always trying to find new ways to use them. This is a perfect spring dip!

Jen said...

I love simple dips for munching on fresh veggies. Although I have to tell you I'm not a fan of radishes...

Renee said...

This looks great.. saving this recipe to make SOON!

car wash said...

It is a nice food post. I really like your Spring Radish Herb Dip recipe. Its look tasty and delicious. Thanks for sharing nice recipe with us.

jocuri cu masini said...

There are so many different dishes. I really like this Spring Radish Herb Dip recipe. I will try it on next Sunday for my wife.

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