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5.0 from 3 votes

Easy Pepita Dip (and Spread)

Keep some pepitas on hand and you'll always be able to whip up this quick, satisfying spread. I like it best when it's fiery and loaded with lime flavor -- so good! 

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 (approx. 2 cups)
Calories: 248 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pepitas (pumpkinseeds)
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1-2 jalapeños
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 10-12 prigs cilantro
  • handful of spinach (optional)
  • juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • pinch of cumin
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • splash of water (plus more to combine)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add 1 cup of pepitas to a dry skillet over mediumish heat. Let them roast until they are popping and turning golden brown, 4-6 minutes, stirring regularly. 
  2. Add the pepitas to a blender or food processor along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Combine well.
  3. Lightly saute 1/2 onion and 1-2 jalapenos in some oil over medium heat until softened.  I use 2 jalapenos but feel free to use less for a milder version.  (You can chop roughly as all of this is going in the blender eventually.)
  4. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and saute briefly alongside the onion and jalapeno, then toss it all in the blender with the pepita mixture.  Add the remaining ingredients to the blender:  10-12 sprigs of cilantro, a handful of spinach (optional), the juice of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a splash of water.
  5. Combine well.  You'll probably need to add a little more water to get it to combine.  I like to keep it chunky, so I add as little water as possible, scraping down the sides and adding small splashes of water as needed.
  6. Take a final taste for seasoning.  I added another generous pinch to this batch (so that is close to 3/4 teaspoon total.)
  7. Serve next to tortilla chips, or on your choice of veggies, bagels, etc. 
  8. Keep some lime close by as a final burst of acidity really brightens it up.  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. 

Notes

  • I usually twist off and discard the bottom, thicker portion of the cilantro stems, but use the upper portion of the stems that hold the leaves together. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 248kcal (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4(approx. 2 cups)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 248

% Daily Value*

Calories 248kcal 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.