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If you’re a fan of bold flavors, rustic breads, and shareable appetizers, taking inspiration from chef Ayesha Nurdjaja means embracing the joy of tearing, scooping, and dipping. These crowd-pleasing recipes are perfect for gatherings, snack boards, or casual dinners.

Whipped Ricotta with Hot Honey

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole-milk ricotta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp hot honey
• Sea salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Grilled bread for serving

Instructions

1. Blend ricotta until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread onto a serving plate.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and hot honey.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with warm grilled bread for dipping.

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Ingredients

• 1 can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Blend beans, roasted garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Season to taste.
3. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Serve with pita chips, vegetables, or crusty bread.

Marinated Olive and Herb Dip

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
3. Serve alongside toasted bread for scooping.

Charred Eggplant Dip

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. Roast eggplants until charred and soft.
2. Scoop out flesh and blend with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
3. Chill slightly before serving.
4. Garnish with parsley and olive oil.

Herby Focaccia for Tearing and Sharing

Ingredients

• 500g bread flour
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 350ml warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh rosemary
• Flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Mix flour, yeast, water, and olive oil into a sticky dough.
2. Let rise until doubled.
3. Stretch into an oiled baking tray.
4. Dimple the dough, drizzle with olive oil, and top with rosemary and salt.
5. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Spicy Tomato Burrata Dip

Ingredients

• 2 cups roasted cherry tomatoes
• 1 burrata cheese ball
• 1 tbsp chili flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil

Instructions

1. Spread warm roasted tomatoes on a serving platter.
2. Place burrata in the center.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili flakes.
4. Garnish with basil and serve with toasted bread.

Serving Tips

Create a beautiful “rip-and-dip” board by pairing:

• Warm focaccia
• Grilled sourdough
• Pita bread
• Fresh vegetables
• Assorted dips
• Marinated olives

The combination of creamy dips, crusty bread, and bold Mediterranean flavors makes for an irresistible spread that encourages everyone to gather around, tear, scoop, and enjoy.