Spinach & Artichoke White Bean Dip

Spinach and Artichoke White Bean Dip is a delicious and nutritious appetizer or snack that combines the flavors of spinach, artichoke hearts, and white beans. It’s a creamy, savory dip that’s perfect for serving with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetable sticks. Let’s explore its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.

History:
The exact origin of Spinach and Artichoke White Bean Dip is not well-documented, but it can be traced back to the popularity of spinach and artichoke dip, which is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The addition of white beans in this variation adds a creamy texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Components:
Here are the main components you’ll need to prepare Spinach and Artichoke White Bean Dip:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans)
• 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked white beans, chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

3. Blend: Pulse or blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the processor or blender to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

4. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added richness.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, pita bread, or your favorite dipping items.

Estimated Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Spinach and Artichoke White Bean Dip, including prep and baking time, is approximately 35-40 minutes.

Enjoy this flavorful and creamy dip at your next gathering or as a delicious snack. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Spinach & Artichoke White Bean Dip:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximately 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 2g

Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: Spinach & Artichoke White Bean Dip is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for a snack or appetizer.

2. Good Source of Fiber: It provides 1g of dietary fiber per serving, which can aid in digestion and help you feel full.

3. Moderate in Fat: While it contains 4g of total fat, it’s relatively low in saturated fat, which is a healthier option for those watching their saturated fat intake.

4. Protein: This dip also provides a small amount of protein (2g per serving), contributing to your daily protein needs.

5. Calcium: The inclusion of Parmesan cheese adds a small amount of calcium to the dip, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach and artichoke hearts in the dip offer vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

7. Antioxidants: Spinach is rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.

8. Moderation: While this dip can be a healthy choice, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its fat content. Pair it with whole-grain crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a balanced snack.

Remember that the exact nutritional values may vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, so it’s a good idea to check product labels for accuracy. Additionally, portion control is key to enjoying this dip as part of a balanced diet.