Sambal Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This yummy dip was one of HiHo's favorites. I made it last night for a potluck/bonfire we hosted. I have fond memories of the funny way she would enthusiastically say it's name when she made it, knowing it would always make me smile. It is full of vegetables so it is very healthy, and ever so slightly spicy with an Indian touch, but is not to be confused with the Malaysian Sambal. A keeper for sure, I typically double this recipe.

Ingredients
1 one-quarter inch slice medium size onion
1 clove garlic
2 stalks celery
1/2 large cucumber, seeded
1/2 green pepper, seeded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed cumin seed
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup sour cream (and fat is fine)
fresh minced coriander/cilantro

Process

1. Grind the onion, garlic, celery, cucumber, and green pepper in a blender/food processor, using the finest knife.
   
2. Turn into a sieve over bowl and press out the juice. The juice can be saved and drunk, or added to soup, stews, or sauces.
   
3. Put vegetable mix into a medium bowl and sprinkle spices over and mix.
   
4. Blend in the tomato paste.
   
5. Add the sour cream and stir until mixed.
   
6. Chill until ready to serve.
   
7. Use as a dip for crackers, bread cubes, or fresh vegetable crudite.
   
   

Artichoke Spinach Dip

Ingredients
2 cans artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
1 rectangle reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
crudite (to serve with)

Process

1. In a food processor, place one can of artichokes, cream cheese, Parmesan, lemon juice, and garlic and pulse gently.
   
2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse again until smooth.
   
3. Place in microwave bowl, and heat on high 1 or 2 minutes until warmed.
   
4. Serve with crudite or toasted tortilla points. Enjoy!
   

Sandy's Artichoke Dip

The final recipe of my appetizer section, a yummy artichoke heart dip recipe, was given to me by Sandy, a Mom of six on one of my Mom's boards. This is different than my prior Artichoke dip.

Ingredients
1 14-ounce can artichokes hearts, rinsed and drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
a dash of hot pepper sauce (i.e. Tabasco)
1 clove garlic, minced
paprika

Process

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine artichoke hearts, mayo, Parmesan cheese, garlic and hot pepper sauce.
3. Put in a greased 1 quart baking dish.
4. Sprinkle with paprika.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is lightly brown (keep an eyes on it)

Serve warm with crackers, bread, or crudite.

Creamy Tzatziki

I love Tzatziki especially when there are left overs. I like to think of it as the sibling to the Indian sauce Raita.
Ingredients
I container Greek yogurt (Greek makes is more authentic, but I will otherwise use plain Stonyfield yogurt in it's place)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (nothing tastes better than Hellman's)
1 clove of garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
1 tablespoon freshly chopped mint
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest or else 1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cucumber, seeded then grated and drained.
Process

1. In a medium bowl combine all ingredients except the cucumber, mixing well.
   
2. Gently fold in the cucumber.
   
3. Serve as an accompaniment to Greek food or as a dip with crudite!

YUM!