Spinach Artichoke Dip
First impression is the best impression.. And when it comes to food, appetizers are always the firsts. So a very tasty appetizer will be a great start to a party and a great way to impress your guests easily. At the same time, appetizers should also not consume a whole lot of our time. So I always go for a dip and chip and a desi starter, which always is a perfect start for any number of guests. Its easy to make and also is a party pleaser.
Spinach artichoke dip is a creamy dip made mainly of spinach, artichoke and cheese. Artichoke has a lot of health benefits. The high levels of anti-oxidants that artichoke has and the fiber content , along with its cholesterol management benefits make it a very healthy nutrient. (source :http://www.oceanmist.com/artichokes/12-unexpected-artichoke-health-benefits/) Spinach , as we know is a very good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, vitamin , zinc and protein. So thought this dip is high in calories, it is a healthy dip especially for the kids. They will love it since its creamy and more so because its always accompanied with a chip ;).
INGREDIENTS :
Spinach - 1 1/2 cups (coarsely cut) Frozen artichoke hearts - 1 can or 1/2 cups (thawed, chopped ) Low fat cream cheese - 6 ounces Low fat sour cream - 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan - 1/3 cup Red pepper flakes** - 1/2 teaspoon Salt - to taste (1/4 Tbsp.) Garlic cloves - 3 minced Freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon Butter - 2 Tbsp.
DIRECTIONS:
Difficulty Level :Easy
Time Taken : 10 min Active Time plus 30 min baking time
Serves : 7-8 people.
1. Preheat oven to 350deg F 2. Heat a pan on the stove, add the butter and add the minced garlic. 3. Wash the spinach thoroughly, blanch it and squeeze all the water out thoroughly and add it to the pan. 4. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, pepper, salt and black pepper and mix them well till they come together well for 5 min. 5. In a 1 quart baking dish, transfer the contents of the pan. 6. Top it with the parmesan cheese and bake it for 20 mts. 7. Turn the oven to broil for 3-4 mts at the highest temperature so it browns nicely.
Serve it hot with some warm Pita bread.
