| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 210 | 17g | 10g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 0g | 5g | 0.4g |
I have a profound love for this Green Laver and Cream Cheese Dip. Being born and brought up in Atlanta, with a rich Nigerian heritage, naturally led me to explore the crossroads of Southern and West African cuisine. I discovered that when you blend familiar local flavors with the vibrant tastes of my ancestral home, the result is an astonishing culinary mashup. Green Laver and Cream Cheese Dip is a perfect example of this exciting and flavorful fusion of cuisines.
Merging Worlds in One Dish
This recipe strikes a beautiful note between the subtle creaminess of Southern staple ingredients, such as cream cheese and sour cream, with the lustrous, ocean-fresh taste of green laver more commonly featured in West African cuisine. This luscious dip isn’t just about harmonizing different cooking heritages; it also beautifully combines the creaminess of cheese with the briny, umami flair of the sea courtesy of the green laver.
Why This Recipe Is Dear to Me
As a lawyer, my weekdays can be hurried and chaotic. Cooking for me is more than just an obligatory task, it’s a grounding practice and a means of expression. When I prepare meals like this Green Laver and Cream Cheese Dip, it’s not about laboring in the kitchen, rather it’s about curating love-infused dishes that reminisce familial fondness and shared histories.
A Healthy Feast
This dip isn’t just a fusion of taste and tradition, but also a healthy treat. Green laver is packed with a host of nutrients like iodine and tyrosine, which support thyroid health. The various herbs used, such as chives, parsley, and dill offer potent antioxidants, not to mention their own set of unique health benefits. The cream cheese and sour cream, used in moderation, can be a good source of healthy fats and proteins.
If you’re a fan of dishes like spinach and artichoke dip or ranch dip, then this recipe will definitely be a hit. Not only does it carry similar textures and flavors, but it adds an extra twist with the inclusion of the green laver. This versatile dip pairs perfectly with a variety of snacks – from assorted fresh vegetables to your favorite types of crackers, serving it up at your next gathering is sure to please your guests.
I am thrilled to be sharing this much-loved recipe with you, and I hope that it brings warmth, joy, and a taste of Afro-Southern fusion to your table. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 sheets of green laver (nori)
- 2 cups of cream cheese
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Assorted fresh vegetables for serving
- Assorted crackers for serving
Method
Step One
To begin with, toast the green laver (nori) sheets lightly over a flame until they become crisp. Once done, finely chop them and keep aside for later use.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step Three
Next, add in the finely chopped chives, parsley, and dill to the cream mixture. Stir well to incorporate the herbs evenly into the mixture.
Step Four
Follow this by adding the minced garlic and lemon juice to the mixture. Again, mix well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the dip.
Step Five
Now, add the chopped green laver (nori) to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until the laver is evenly distributed within the dip.
Step Six
Season your dip with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember to add these sparingly at first; you can add more later to taste.
Step Seven
Allow the dip to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step Eight
When you’re ready to serve, bring the dip out from the refrigerator. You can serve this appetizing Green Laver and Cream Cheese Dip with an assortment of fresh vegetables and crackers. Enjoy!
