I know you’re familiar with basturma – the dried, spice-covered meat cut paper thin, and served with pita bread or lavash as an appetizer. But, did you know the basturma spice mix can be used to create an unusually tasty dip? Well, it can, and I’ll tell you how.
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| Chaimen Dip |
The brochure explains how to make basturma in the refrigerator (perhaps an item for another time). In addition, there are several recipes including one for Chaimen Dip.
Since I wasn’t about to make basturma, I chose to make the spice mix and try the Chaimen Dip recipe.
The original spice mix recipe yields a lot as it’s supposed to cover a two pound cut of meat. Since I was only making dip, I cut the ingredient amounts by one fourth, but I’ll provide both recipes.
The original Chaimen recipe from the brochure:
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
½ cup paprika
¼ cup chaimen (ground fenugreek)
4 tsp. allspice
2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. cumin
½ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. ground cloves
1 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder, optional
Directions:
1. Sift the ingredients together into a bowl. Stir until well blended.
2. To make a paste for basturma, gradually blend 1 cup of water into the spice mix. Stir well adding more water, one tablespoon at a time, until a loose paste is formed that will spread easily on the meat.
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| Chaimen spice mix |
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. chaimen (ground fenugreek)
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/8 tsp. nutmeg (I used freshly ground nutmeg)
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
¾ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. garlic powder
Spice Mix Directions:
Sift the ingredients together into a bowl. Stir until well blended. Store in a tightly covered container, but use within one month or else the flavors won’t be as bold.
To make the Chaimen Dip:
2 Tbsp. chaimen spice mix (add more if you dare!)
½ cup plain yogurt
½ cup light sour cream
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, blend together the yogurt, sour cream, and spice mix. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving. NOTE: You can use all yogurt or all sour cream, if you prefer.
Serve with cut vegetables, your favorite chips, pita bread or lavash.
Our Verdict: The dip tasted just like basturma - without the meat!