Veggie Fritters With Southern Chive Dip Recipes

CRUDITE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH SOUR CREAM AND CHIVE DIP

Steps:

• For the dip: Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a generous grinding of black pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Process until well combined and smooth. Transfer the dip to a medium bowl and fold in the chives and parsley. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water. Add the broccoli to the boiling water and blanch until bright green and crisp tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a strainer to the ice bath. Repeat with the cauliflower. Drain the vegetables well and pat them very dry.
• To build the tree, make a triangle of broccoli florets in the center of a serving platter. Place the cucumber piece, skin side up, at the base of the tree as a stump and scatter the cauliflower on either side. Decorate the tree with tomatoes, cucumber slices and pepper strips and stars, leaving one star for the top.

VEGETABLE FRITTERS WITH CHICK PEA BATTER

Steps:

• Mix flour and dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add 3/4 cup water and stir to combine. Gradually add more water until mixture is thick enough to coat a finger. Stir in peanut oil. The batter may be made up to 2 hours in advance.
• To make fritters, heat oil in a large saucepan to deep-fry temperature (350 degrees F). Dip vegetables, one at a time into the batter and fry until deep brown, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with Mint and Cilantro Chutney, Yogurt Sauce, and soy sauce for dipping.