Hot, Hot, Hot Spanakopi Dip

True confession: I’ve been dieting for the past two weeks.

My nutritionist doesn’t like the word “diet.”
She says it’s a way of life.  Ok, it’s a new way of life but I sure feel good. And I’ve already lost two pounds—maybe because I’m paying attention to portions. What I really like about my new way of life is that it embraces this delicious recipe for Hot Spanakopi Dip.  Serve it to a crowd to keep your portions under control.  Don’t let them finish it before you grab a crudité-full.

Hot Spanakopi Dip

• 16 oz baby spinach (Looks like a large amount when fresh, but cooks down to a large handful.)
• 2 t olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped – about 1 heaping cup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 c each ricotta, crumbled feta (Low fat versions work well.)
• 1/2 c each chopped dill, 2% Greek yogurt
• 1/2 t sea salt
• 1/8 t grated nutmeg
• freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400F.

In a large, covered frying pan, wilt spinach, half at a time, using 2 tablespoons of water and medium heat and stirring often. Remove from heat and squeeze spinach repeatedly over a fine mesh colander to remove all liquid. Chop roughly when cool.

In that same frying pan, heat olive oil on medium-high, then add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until onion turns light brown. Add ricotta and spinach. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until liquid disappears. Remove from heat, then add remaining ingredients.

Transfer dip to an oven-proof serving dish and heat for 5-8 minutes in the oven. Serve on small plates with toast triangles, pita chips or crudités: carrots, celery endive, cauliflower, bell pepper. Serves 12.

Hot Spanakopi Dip Print Ready Recipe

Final notes:

• Inspiration for Hot Spanakopi Dip came from Chatelaine Magazine‘s Spaniko-Pizza recipe, in their December 2013 issue—that and a lifetime of appreciating Greek food flavours.
• Looking for something fun to do next week that will also help a really good cause? Join me at Battle of the Bands!
• Are you an app addict? Here are eight wellness apps to help you reach your health goals.
• If you’re seeking guilt-free  pleasure, avoid similar dips that call for a cup of mayonnaise and a full fat cup of sour cream.
• I’m off for a dip in the ocean, so any comments or questions will be answered asap.

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