Healthy Spinach Dip

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can Chickpeas OR White Beans ( – don’t drain or rinse)
• 2 cloves Garlic (– peeled)
• 3 TBS Tahini (– well stirred)
• 2 TBS Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 heaping tsp EACH: Onion Powder and Dry Parsley
• 1/8 heaping tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1 (10 ounce) package Frozen Chopped Spinach
• 1/4 Cup Pine Nuts (– toasted (sub: toasted walnuts) (SEE NOTES))
• 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 Cup Feta Cheese (– cubed or crumbled (2.5 to 3 ounces))
• 1/4 Cup Ricotta Cheese
• 2 TBS Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 3 heaping TBS Fresh Dill (– chopped and lightly packed; plus more for garnish)
• as needed Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
• Optional Serving Suggestions: Pita Chips (Baked Filo Cups, Crudité, Crackers)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook chickpeas and garlic: Dump the can of chickpeas or cannellini beans and its liquid into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the peeled cloves of garlic. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high power for 4-6 minutes, or until the beans are very soft. Drain chickpeas, reserving all the liquid. Set beans aside. (Note: This step is optional, however it is one of the keys to creating a super smooth dip. Cook time will depend upon the strength of your microwave. You can also do this on the stove-top in a small saucepan if you prefer.)

2. 2

   Start spinach dip: Pour 6 TBS of the chickpea water (aquafaba) into the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the garlic cloves, tahini, lemon juice, onion powder, dried parsley, and nutmeg. Season with ¾ teaspoon salt and a ¼ teaspoon pepper. Process the mixture for 1 minute. Then, stop and scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl using a rubber spatula. Return the lid and continue to process for an additional minute, or until the tahini mixture is smooth and paste-like in consistency.

3. 3

   Add chickpeas, spinach, and nuts: Add the softened chickpeas, dried spinach, and the toasted pine nuts to the bowl. Cover and process until the mixture is very smooth, about 1 minute. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl again. Then, cover and process the mixture for 1 additional minute

4. 4

   Add yogurt, cheeses, and dill: To the food processor bowl, add the Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, feta cheese, dill, and parmesan. Then cover the processor with the lid continue to process for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until a super-smooth, ultra-creamy spinach dip forms.

5. 5

   Taste and Adjust For Seasonings: Taste and adjust: Taste the creamy spinach dip and adjust as you see fit - adding more salt, seasonings, or lemon juice for flavor; more chickpea water or ice-cold filtered water for a thinner consistency, or extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.

6. 6

   Serve Creamy Spinach Dip: Serve Spinach Hummus Dip: Transfer the creamy spinach dip appetizer to a serving bowl or plate. Drizzle with EVOO (optional) and garnish with fresh dill, sesame seeds, and parmesan or feta, if using. Serve with filo cups, crudité, pita chips, and crackers; on wraps, sandwiches, and burgers; plus, more. Enjoy!