Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large, rimmed baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and setting aside.
Trim the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves slightly. Drizzle these with olive oil, wrap the whole head securely in a small sheet of aluminum foil, and place it in the oven. Roast for about 40 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft and golden. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
1 whole garlic head, 1 tbsp olive oil
In the meantime, prepare the shrimp seasoning. In a large, medium bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Coat fresh shrimp thoroughly in the seasoning mix, then lay them out on the pre-lined baking sheet. Transfer this to the oven and roast for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping a close watch to ensure the shrimp turn pink and firm but do not overcook.
1 ½ lb jumbo shrimp
While waiting for the shrimp to cook, focus on the dip. Squeeze the now-soft roasted garlic cloves into a blender or food processor. Add the sour cream, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, more ground cumin, and cayenne pepper (optional). Blend these ingredients until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste, then move the dip into a small serving dish.
½ cup Sour cream, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, ½ tbsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp cumin, Sea salt and black pepper
Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately sprinkle them with additional lemon juice and fresh parsley, mixing gently. Serve these flavorful shrimp alongside the creamy dip while still warm.
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice, 1/3 cup parsley , Sea salt and black pepper
Notes
Preparation is Key: Measure out all your ingredients before starting. This will make the cooking process smoother and ensure you don't miss anything.
Roasting Garlic: Don't rush the garlic roasting process. The deeper the caramelization, the more flavor it will add to the dip.
Shrimp Size: While jumbo shrimp are recommended for their meatiness, you can use whatever size you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Blending for Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth dip, blend the mixture for a couple of minutes. Scraping down the sides of the blender or food processor halfway through can help incorporate all ingredients evenly.
Adjusting Thickness: If the dip feels too thick, you can thin it slightly with a tablespoon of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Flavor to Taste: After blending, taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little extra lemon juice or salt can make all the difference.
Serving Temperature: This dip can be served immediately while warm or chilled for a few hours if you prefer a cooler appetizer.
Making Ahead: Although not about storage, it's worth noting that preparing the garlic and seasoning the shrimp a few hours before cooking can enhance the flavors even more.