Cool and Fresh Dill Dip with Vegetables

Cool Dill Dip with Fresh Raw Vegatables

For the last few years I have had dill grow “on its own” in my garden from last year’s fallen seeds. They are growing hodge-podge, not in neat rows like my cabbage, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes and peppers. I let them grow a few inches before I weed them, if they are in a bad spot, and last weekend I had enough to make this simple and delicious dip.

I believe that Chicagoans enjoy those first few beautiful summer days more than people who live in warmer climates  — because we have to persevere through endless cold and snowy winters. I must say I still am surprised it has been so lovely out — but it is June, after all! And the dill has persevered! So I made this dip, and enjoyed it immensely, on my deck, in the warm sunshine, with freshly cut-up carrots, broccolli and cucumbers (soon the veggies will be from my garden as well…)

This dill dip is one of my favorite things to make because it is so delicious (I really love dill) and because it is so easy to make. The photo does not nearly convey how super-flavorful this dip is - the dill is a perfect compliment to the sour cream, and it’s very refreshing after a long day in the hot garden. The recipe is adopted from Martha Stewart, but she uses basil (I’ll try that some day but I love this so much I haven’t gotten around to that version yet), and I damned the torpedos and went with non low-fat sourcream and mayo.

• Fresh Dill - 1 cup fresh, loosely packed
• Sour Cream - 1 cup
• Mayonnaise - 1/2 cup
• Mustard = 1 Tblsp., brown
• Lemon Juice - 1 Tblsp.
• Garlic - 2-4 cloves, chopped
• Salt and pepper - a few shakes, plus more to taste

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend well, for about 1- 2 minutes.
2. Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if desired.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least a half an hour; dip will thicken.
4. Cut up fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces and serve chilled.

Suggested veggies:

• Carrots
• Broccolli
• Cucumbers
• Cauliflower
• Cherry Tomatoes

Keeps for several days refrigerated.

Tags: dill, party, Summer, Vegetarian