Monday Message - Recipe of the Week

Spinach Artichoke Dip

By: Stacy Antine, MS RD and HealthbarnUSA

This delicious and nutritious spinach and artichoke dip tastes amazing! Serve it in 4-ounce ramekins so that everyone gets the right serving size.

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 6-ounce bag of fresh spinach
¼ cup fresh basil
1 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, unsalted
1 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, unsalted (or frozen)
1 clove garlic, chopped
3 ounces cream cheese, low fat
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup + 4 tablespoons mozzarella cheese, shredded, low fat, low sodium

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, boil 4 cups water. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. When water comes to a boil, add spinach and basil in small batches and cook for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain a vibrant green color. Squeeze as much water out of the spinach and basil as possible (squeeze excess liquid over a mug and drink if you like…it's full of nutrients!).
2. In a food processor, combine cooked greens, cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, garlic, cream cheese, sea salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and fold in a ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
3. Fill 4-ounce ramekins with dip mixture and top each with a sprinkle of remaining cheese.
4. Bake for about 5-10 minutes or until the cheese on top is brown and bubbly.
5. Serve with pita chips or fresh veggies.

CookingTip

For a cold dip, simply combine beans, artichoke hearts, garlic, sea salt, pepper, spinach and basil.

Recipe Link for Nutrition Facts.