Leeks and chives..dips

Chinese chives/leeks

Chinese chive, also called the Chinese leek...a delicate mix of garlic n onion flavor....  This delectable veg was one I discovered accidentally while trying  to recreate a dish I ate out....  the taste of this leek is quite different from anything I had ever tasted... very pungent, not as strong as garlic ..more delicate and sweeter flavor than onions, crunchy on bite, a bit hot... leeks add a subtle touch to recipes without overpowering the other flavors that are present.
  What I especially love about this veggie is that it doesnt leave any after smell in the mouth, yet brings about that heavenly taste of onion, garlic, n shallot and a little something more..... traditionally they are eaten lightly steamed, or raw in salads. 
Like garlic and onions, Chinese leeks are part of the allium family, that when consumed regularly  protect you against esophageal and stomach cancer...
Initially I used to use it to top my pasta and salads  along with coriander and basil...now I found that it can be a part of my dips with crackers, chips or veggies..! Here are some recipes ...

   1. Yogurt n Leek dip

1-1/2 CupGreek yogurt

1 tbsp Chinese leeks (cut in small pieces)  1 clove garlic minced

1 tsp basil (if fresh cut into small pieces) 

salt and  pepper to taste

…mix them together and refrigerate for 2 hrs... dip with chips, crackers ....along with friends n drinks to go...

The aroma of basil and garlic keep the senses alive...thegreek yogurt melts in the mouth as you bite into the crackers...

  2. Sour cream, yogurt n Leek dip

1 cup Sour cream  

1c greek yogurt, 

3 tbsp milk, 

minced roasted garlic,

 salt n pepper

1-1/2 tbsp chinese leeks

Mix the first five well and season with chives..Refrigerate for 2 hrs before serving..

Avacado n Leek Dip

A dip with chips, crackers , veggies on an evening with friends n family..

 3. Avacado n Leek dip

1 avacado mashed, 

1 garlic minced, 

1tbsp Chinese leeks chopped, 

1 tbsp coriander leaves

1 tsp lemon juice,

 2 tbsp yogurt, salt ,pepper

mix the above and keep it refrigerated till ready to be served.. Can be used as a dip for chips or part of taco filling, pita filling...
PS: If you don't want the dip to be too tangy then reduce the lemon juice to 1/2 tsp.

  4. Yogurt, herbs n Leek dip

1-1/2 c greek yogurt,

2 tblsp fresh chives (cut small)

2 tblsp mint leaves chopped tiny

3 tbsp dill,

 1-2  minced garlic, 

2 c cucumber deseeded, 

1 tsp lemon juice (1/2 tsp if you dont want it too tangy)

Mix all other than cucumber, refrigerate at least 15 min and add cucumber just before serving dip with chips and crackers...on a hot afternoon 

Do let me know how your dip turned out...also write in for any additions, variations that u may wish to incorporate/suggest.... A lot of you are having trouble writing on the blog here...you may write your comments on my FB-- Raji Vish Rajashree or at rajsh92@gmail.com.sg