Havuç Tarator is a Turkish dip made from grated carrots, yogurt, and garlic, and sometimes walnuts. The carrot and yogurt mixture is served as a salad side dish or appetizer dip.
How to Make the Dip
Making the dip is easy and simply requires sautéing the carrots and garlic, then mixing ingredients after the carrots cool. Follow along here with step-by-step pictures or hop down to the printable recipe card if you prefer.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make the carrot dip.
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 grated carrots
- ¾ cup plain yogurt (Note: You can use a combination of regular yogurt or strained yogurt (süzme yoğurt or Greek yogurt) for a creamier texture.)
- 1 clove garlic minced (or crushed garlic)
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon walnuts chopped
- 1 tbs fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Grate the carrots with a box grater. DO NOT use store bought bagged shredded carrots. You want the carrot juices to infuse with other ingredients.
Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the grated carrot and garlic, then cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots soften (about 5 minutes). The point of this step is to lightly brown the carrots to develop rich flavors. If you have any remaining carrots, you can use them in other recipes.
Let the mixture cool completely. In a bowl, add the cooked carrots to the yogurt and chopped walnuts. (more creamy) dip, use strained yogurt.
Stir in the lemon juice, finely chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste for balanced flavors. Combine well and chill the mixture for about 30 minutes.
Transfer the dip to a serving dish, decorate with a drizzle of olive oil, walnuts, and a sprinkle of chili flakes before you serve. Havuç tarator can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Havuç Tarator, the Turkish Carrot Yogurt Dip, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy this versatile recipe. For a beautiful presentation, transfer the dip to a medium bowl and drizzle a little olive oil over the top. This not only adds flavor but also gives the dip a lovely sheen. A sprinkle of pul biber (Aleppo chili flakes) will bring a gentle heat and a pop of color, while a handful of chopped walnuts or pine nuts adds a satisfying crunch.
Pair your havuç tarator with a variety of dippers: try it with warm flatbread, focaccia, crispy crackers, tortilla chips or fresh raw vegetables like cucumber and carrot sticks. It’s a fantastic appetizer for gatherings, but also works well as a side dish alongside other Turkish dishes, as well as Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes and salads, such as my Roasted Carrot Hummus or Labneh Balls. For extra flavor, garnish with a bit of grated carrot, a pinch of salt, and some fresh dill or parsley.
The dip is frequently made with süzme yoğurt, a strained Turkish yogurt that gives the dip a creamy texture, a good substitute is Greek yogurt. For those who like a richer taste, a spoonful of mayonnaise can be stirred in. You can even make the dip more substantial by adding cooked turkey or chicken, turning it into a light lunch or a hearty snack.
Havuç Tarator is best served at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to eat. It keeps well in the fridge for up to five days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. If you’re watching your calories, you’ll be happy to know that havuç tarator is relatively low in calories, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
Don’t hesitate to get creative: add your favorite herbs, toss in some extra nuts or seeds, or experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re sharing it with family at the table or bringing it to a party, this Turkish carrot yogurt dip is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and the taste of Turkey in every bite!
Turkish Carrot Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 grated carrots
- ¾ cup plain yogurt Note: You can use a combination of regular yogurt or strained yogurt (süzme yoğurt or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.)
- 1 clove garlic minced or crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon walnuts chopped
- 1 tbs fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the grated carrot and garlic, then cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots soften (about 5 minutes). The point of this step is to lightly brown the carrots to develop rich flavors. If you have any remaining carrots, you can use them in other recipes.
- Let the mixture cool completely. In a bowl, add the cooked carrots to the yogurt and chopped walnuts. For a more creamy dip, use strained yoghurt.
- Stir in the lemon juice, finely chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste for balanced flavors. Combine well and chill the mixture for about 30 minutes.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish, decorate with a drizzle of olive oil, walnuts, and a sprinkle of chili flakes before you serve. Havuç tarator can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy!!
Leave a Reply