We’re knee deep in pumpkin season now! There are so many fun types of gourds to try, and you can use any of them in this recipe. Overall, winter squash is an excellent complex carbohydrate, with 2 to 3 grams of fiber per cup and an incredible source of vitamin A. The feta and Greek yogurt add fulfilling protein to this dish as well. This recipe not only makes a satisfying snack when paired with hearty, seed-laden crackers or veggies to dip in it but is also a tasty topping or spread to other dishes like soups, salads or sandwiches.
Tag: dip
Zacusca (Eggplant Pepper Spread)
Eggplant may be a challenging vegetable for many to cook. It doesn’t have a ton of flavor on its own, but it does a great job of soaking up the flavors of other things. Think of eggplant as a flavor sponge. This is one of the reasons you’ll see it baked or grilled as a cooking method, because it soaks up all that deep smoky flavor. An eggplant is mostly water, so it doesn’t have much caloric value. While it’s not very nutritionally dense as far as vitamins and minerals, it does have a decent amount of fiber and is rich in phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. These are particularly dense in the skin of the eggplant.
Traditionally, zacusca recipes remove the skin from the eggplant, but if you’re using a food processor, the skins will break down into the spread. Just give them a rough chop first. Alternatively, you can stuff your leftover skins like you would a stuffed cabbage. Then if you topped that off with the zacsuca, what a meal that would make!
Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip
This enchilada bean dip is great for football season and will surely be a crowd-pleaser! It can also be prepared a few days ahead of time. Did you know beans are high in fiber, which helps us to stay full? Yum!
Homemade Basil Pesto
Making pesto is quick and easy and is such a versatile sauce. You can whip this up ahead of time and use it on baked chicken, salmon, veggies or whole wheat pasta. It is also great as a spread on a sandwich or a dip. Check out this video with community nutrition educator Bridgette Bostic, R.D.N., showing how to make it at home.
Kale Artichoke Dip
So you’ve just received your fourth invitation to a holiday party, and you, of course, want to bring a memorable appetizer to share. There is nothing like a great tasting appetizer that’s also healthy. This one offers great flavor from the artichokes and Parmesan with a kick of spice from the garlic and cayenne (the recipe says it’s optional but I highly suggest adding it!). Blended with the creamy low fat cream cheese and yogurt, this warm low fat dip, which is high in Vitamin A, is sure to be a welcomed addition to the appetizer table at any gathering.
Roasted Red Pepper and Cannellini Dip
In need of a simple, healthy appetizer for a get-together? Try this tasty roasted red pepper and cannellini bean dip! Pair with veggie sticks or whole-wheat crackers, or use as a condiment for sandwiches.