Equipment
Ingredients
Base
- 150 g stale rustic white bread, crusts removed, torn into chunks
- 150 g walnuts, shelled, toasted if desired
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled, green germ removed
Liquids and Seasoning
- 120 ml extra virgin olive oil, high quality
- 30 ml red wine vinegar
- ml water
- 5 g kosher salt
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Place the torn bread chunks in a mixing bowl and cover with cold water. Let soak for 5 minutes until completely soft. Squeeze the bread firmly with your hands to remove as much water as possible.
Place the walnuts and peeled garlic cloves in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground into a coarse, sandy meal.
Add the squeezed bread, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt to the food processor. Process until a thick, relatively smooth paste forms.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a thin, steady stream. Continue processing until the mixture is fully emulsified and airy. If the dip is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the sharp garlic flavors to mellow and meld with the walnuts.
Chef's Notes
- The quality of your extra virgin olive oil is paramount in this raw application. Choose a smooth, buttery oil rather than a highly peppery one to prevent bitterness.
- Always slice your garlic cloves in half and remove the green germ in the center. This germ is responsible for the harsh, lingering aftertaste often associated with raw garlic.
- For a truly traditional, slightly more rustic texture, use a large mortar and pestle instead of a food processor, pounding the garlic and nuts into a paste before working in the soaked bread and oil.
- Walnuts carry natural oils that can go rancid quickly. Toasting them briefly in a dry skillet before use can refresh their flavor and bring out deeper roasted notes.
Storage
Refrigerator: 1 week — Garlic flavor will intensify significantly over the first 48 hours.










