Spotlight Spice: Sicilian Bread Dipper

Did you know AllSpice has a line of spices specifically for bread dipping? We do – because who doesn’t love snacking on some freshly baked bread dipped in a tasty olive oil infused with savory herbs and spices?!?

This week’s Spotlight Spice is all about our Sicilian Bread Dipper. This tomatoey blend pulls its flavors from the diverse cuisine of Sicily, combining flavors common in Arab and Greek dishes, infused with distinctly Spanish and French influences.

The blend is smoky and slightly sweet with just the right amount of heat. Tomato and Garlic are the flavors you’ll taste first, followed by subtle notes of herbs like oregano, bay, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary balanced with paprika and brown mustard.

To create a tasty bread dipper, fill a small jar with a half cup of your favorite extra virgin olive oil, then add 3 tablespoons of the spice blend. Shake (or stir) well, and allow to sit for a half hour or so before serving to allow the flavors to fully blend with the oil.

If you follow us closely, you’ll know we’re not fans of one-trick ponies – so you can bet we’ve found tons of other uses for the Sicilian Bread Dipper. Use it to create a zesty salad dressing by combining 3 tablespoons of the blend with 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil and 1/3 cup red wine vinegar. Use to dress a salad with hearty greens or as a marinade for chicken, fish, or pork. If using as a marinade, we’ve found it works best to marinate chicken and pork for 2-4 hours before cooking, and fish for around 30 minutes prior to cooking.

The Sicilian Bread Dipper is also a staff favorite for pasta and pizza sauces. Add a teaspoon or two to your standard pasta or pizza sauce recipe. If you’re making your own sauce, try reducing the salt when you add the spice blend. If we’re in a pinch for time, we’ll also add this blend to store-bought pasta sauce. It adds depth of flavor and a bit of warmth, taking the canned or jarred version from ho-hum to delicious with minimal effort.

Find the Sicilain Bread Dipper and it’s siblings – Tuscan Bread Dipper and Milian Bread Dipper – in the shop or online. If you’ve found another creative use for these blends, share it with us in the comments below.