Spicy Ginger Sweet Potato Dip

(Note: this post was originally published on November 1, 2020. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)

Fall Dip Needs Solved

If you think you've seen all the dips, think again! I'm excited to share a really unique one with you. It's packed with flavor, a really fun color, and perfect for fall! And maybe even Thanksgiving??

The base of this dip is just pureed sweet potatoes, so it's actually a very nutritious appetizer option. Some yogurt gives it added creaminess, while fresh ginger, cayenne, and cumin provide a big burst of flavor. Finish it off with a drizzle of maple syrup and some crunchy pecans and you have yourself a dip that perfectly straddles heat and sweet.

It's like hummus... but not... and it's totally perfect for this time of year!

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The Story

There's a funny story behind how this dip originated: it's all because of a cocktail!

We were having people over for dinner and had decided to make some Kentucky Mules (bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer; it's the bourbon cousin of the better-known Moscow Mule). I really wanted to make a chip dip, but I couldn't figure out what to make. What the heck pairs with a Kentucky Mule?? The bourbon suggests fall, while the lime and ginger have a tropical vibe. It was very confusing!

Thankfully, the day was saved by this sweet potato dip, which was a totally random (but brilliant!) solution. It straddles fall and tropical flavors with the same elegance that a Kentucky Mule does. This combination of flavor profiles makes for a dip that's super interesting and unique.

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Make it Work for YOU

I like that this is a dip you can taste as you make. You can easily add a bit more heat if that's your thing, or omit the cayenne entirely if you just want the heat from the ginger. Feel free to add some more yogurt for enhanced creaminess, more ginger if you really love ginger, or more lemon juice if you want the citrus to shine. Do what works for you!

For serving, I love this dip with other ingredients that are reminiscent of fall. Here I've shown root veggie chips, whole-grain crackers, rainbow baby carrots, fresh figs, miniature grapes, and pecans, but it would work equally as well with fresh bread or apple slices. There are so many tasty possibilities!

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Make-Ahead Tips

Bonus: you can easily do all the work ahead, making this a great dish for entertaining. If you want to go that route, one option is to precook the potatoes, then make the dip right before serving. Conversely, you can make the whole dip, store it in a sealed container, and then just plate (and garnish!) it right before serving. I prefer the latter option for optimal ease.

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Let's Talk Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

• Sweet potatoes
  
• Yogurt. You can use vegan or non, but make sure it's unsweetened and unflavored. Try to find a really thick, rich, full-fat yogurt for maximum creaminess.
• Lemon. You'll use the juice of just half a lemon to add some subtle acidity to the dip. Or use lime instead for a different flavor profile!
  
• Fresh ginger. The ginger is definitely the star here, so you'll want to use fresh ginger root. I don't recommend trying to use powdered ginger.
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Cayenne. You'll use cayenne to give this dip some very gentle heat. Personally speaking, I like it just the tiniest bit spicy to balance the sweeteness of the potatoes. Remember that the ginger will add some heat too, so start with just a little pinch of cayenne at first; you can always add more.
  
• Maple syrup
  
• Pecans
  
• Sumac. Just a sprinkle at the end adds great visual appeal and a lemony aroma. You can use paprika instead if you don't have sumac.

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Closing Thoughts

Phew... dilemma solved. I've officially figured out the perfect appetizer pairing for Kentucky Mules! It's funny, but sometimes conundrums like this keep me awake at night. I like for my happy hour snacks and drinks to make sense together, and while it's sometimes obvious (guac + margs), it's sometimes a total challenge.

Indulgent sweet potatoes, zingy ginger, spicy cayenne, sweet maple syrup, crunchy pecans... this dip has it all! I hope you'll enjoy it all fall long, and maybe even as a Thanksgiving appetizer!

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Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

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Suggested Pairings

Ginger Bee's Knees‍

Kabocha Squash Dippers

Roasted Brussel Sprout Waldorf Salad‍

California Harvest Flatbread

Apple Cider Donut Oat Flour Cake