Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts Recipe

A delightfully tangy and spicy dip is always a crowd pleaser, and this Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts recipe is no exception. It is made with nutritious spinach, creamy yogurt, and toasted pine nuts, giving it a unique flavor and texture. The spices, including cumin, coriander and chili powder, add a kick that takes this dip to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Photos of Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts Recipe

This recipe calls for a few unique ingredients that may not be staples in your pantry. Pine nuts are small, buttery nuts often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. You can find them in the nuts and seeds section of most supermarkets. Similarly, cumin, coriander and chili powder are aromatic spices used commonly in South Asian and Middle Eastern recipes. These can be found in the spices aisle, but feel free to substitute with similar spices if these aren't to your liking.

Ingredients for the Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts

Plain yogurt: Yogurt adds creaminess to the dip and balances the heat from the spices.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and pine nuts, and also adds a depth of flavor.

Pine nuts: They add a crunch and a buttery flavor to the dip.

Sweet onion: Adds sweetness, which complements the heat of the spices.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.

Ground coriander: This spice has a sweet, floral taste with hints of citrus.

Pure chili powder: Brings heat to the dip. Adjust based on your preferred spice level.

Cayenne: A type of red pepper that adds a pungent heat to the dip. Again, adjust based on your preference.

Whole leaf spinach: The star of the dip. Spinach is mild in flavor so it carries the flavors of the other ingredients well.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

One reader, Cami Nicholas says:

This spicy spinach dip with pine nuts recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The heat from the chili powder and cayenne perfectly complements the earthy taste of the spinach and the crunch of the pine nuts. It's a must-try for any gathering!

Cami Nicholas

Techniques Required for Making Spicy Spinach Dip

How to strain yogurt: Line a strainer with a paper towel and place it over a bowl. Scoop the yogurt into the lined strainer and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will allow the excess liquid to drain, leaving you with about 1 cup of strained yogurt.

How to toast pine nuts: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the pine nuts and minced onion, and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion is softened and lightly browned, and the pine nuts are golden. This toasting process will enhance the flavor of the pine nuts and add a delicious nuttiness to the dip.

How to wilt spinach: In the same skillet used for toasting the pine nuts, add the whole leaf spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Once wilted, remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before incorporating it into the dip.

How To Make Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts

Flavorful and simple to whip up, this creamy spinach dip offers a kick of spice from chili, cayenne, and cumin, and an added crunch from pine nuts.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Stand Time: 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupsplain yogurt,non-fat
2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
¼cuppine nuts
½small sweet onion
½tspground cumin
½tspground coriander
½tsppure chili powder
pinchcayenne
10ozwhole leaf spinach,(1 package), frozen
salt

Instructions

Scoop the yogurt into a paper towel-lined strainer set over a bowl.
Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. There should be 1 cup of yogurt.
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet. Add the pine nuts and minced onion, and cook over high heat, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onion is softened and lightly browned and the pine nuts are golden.
Add the cumin, coriander, chile powder, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Scrape into a bowl, serve with favorite dippers, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 805.34kcal
Fat: 63.81g
Saturated Fat: 13.32g
Monounsaturated Fat: 29.66g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 15.30g
Carbohydrates: 42.83g
Fiber: 9.56g
Sugar: 25.88g
Protein: 26.95g
Cholesterol: 47.78mg
Sodium: 1951.47mg
Calcium: 777.37mg
Potassium: 2557.81mg
Iron: 11.30mg
Vitamin A: 1449.85µg
Vitamin C: 88.01mg

Essential Technique Tip for Spicy Spinach Dip With Pine Nuts

Toasting the pine nuts in olive oil not only gives them a beautiful golden color but also enhances their flavor. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they cook, as they can burn quickly. Once they're toasted, they add a delightful crunch and rich, nutty taste to the spicy spinach dip.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the recipe and store the extra portions for later use.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.

Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep work.

Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks in parallel to maximize productivity in the kitchen.

Quick ingredient swaps: Substitute ingredients with similar alternatives to avoid last-minute grocery runs.

Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking mess and save time afterward.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts Recipe

plain yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and tangier flavor, which can add richness to the dip.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for cooking and adding a subtle richness to the dip.
pine nuts - Substitute with chopped almonds: Chopped almonds can provide a similar nutty crunch and texture to the dip.
sweet onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the dip.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the spinach and adding depth to the dip.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground turmeric: Ground turmeric can add a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant color to the dip.
pure chili powder - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a deep red color to the dip.
cayenne - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Both cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes add heat, so this substitution maintains the spiciness of the dip.
whole leaf spinach - Substitute with chopped kale: Chopped kale can provide a similar texture and earthy flavor to the dip, offering a nutritious alternative.

Best Way to Present Spicy Spinach Dip With Pine Nuts

Elevate the plating: Arrange the spicy spinach dip in a small, elegant serving bowl to showcase its vibrant green color and enticing texture.
Garnish with pine nuts: Sprinkle a few lightly toasted pine nuts on top of the dip to add a delightful crunch and a touch of visual appeal.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Serve the spicy spinach dip alongside slices of warm, crusty artisanal bread to provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a few delicate cilantro leaves or microgreens to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Use elegant serving utensils: Present the dip with a sleek and stylish serving spoon or spatula to enhance the overall presentation and elevate the dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Spinach Dip With Pine Nuts

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making dips, sauces, and spreads like the spicy spinach dip with pine nuts recipe.
Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients. It's essential for cooking the pine nuts and onions for the spicy spinach dip recipe.
Strainer: A strainer is a mesh or perforated utensil used for separating solids from liquids. It's used in this recipe to strain the yogurt and remove excess liquid.
Paper towel: Paper towels are absorbent sheets used for blotting and drying food items. In this recipe, they are used to line the strainer when straining the yogurt.
Bowl: A bowl is a round, deep dish used for mixing, serving, and storing food. It's used for various steps in the recipe, such as mixing the strained yogurt and serving the finished dip.

How To Store and Freeze Spicy Spinach Dip

To store leftover spinach dip, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to freeze the dip, spoon it into a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw, transfer the frozen spinach dip to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any separated liquid.
For best results, enjoy the thawed dip within 2-3 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen spinach dip, as the texture and flavor may deteriorate.
If you plan to make the dip ahead of time, prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Dip

Reheat the spinach dip in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is quick and easy, but be careful not to overheat the dip, as it may cause the yogurt to separate.
For a more even reheating, place the spinach dip in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the dip and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a crispy top on your reheated spinach dip, place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
For a stovetop method, transfer the spinach dip to a saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring frequently. Be patient and keep the heat low to avoid scorching the bottom of the dip.
If the reheated spinach dip seems too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of plain yogurt or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover spinach dip, consider stirring in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro before reheating.
Serve the reheated spinach dip with an assortment of fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crackers for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.

Random Fact About Spinach Dip With Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are a good source of iron, magnesium, and protein, making them a nutritious addition to this spicy spinach dip recipe.

Is Making Spicy Spinach Dip at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this spicy spinach dip with pine nuts recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. The use of plain yogurt and spinach makes it relatively affordable, while pine nuts and extra-virgin olive oil may increase the overall cost. Considering the yield and nutritional value, this recipe can be a cost-effective addition to a household menu. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is This Spicy Spinach Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?

The spicy spinach dip with pine nuts recipe is a relatively healthy option for a dip. Here's why:

The base of the dip is plain yogurt, which is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Using yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise significantly reduces the fat content.
Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber.
Pine nuts provide healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamin E.
The recipe uses a moderate amount of extra-virgin olive oil, which is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
The spices used, such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder, add flavor without increasing calorie content. They also have potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Opt for low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt to further reduce the fat content.
Increase the amount of spinach to boost the nutrient density of the dip.
Reduce the amount of olive oil used, or replace it with a cooking spray to minimize added fats.
Consider adding other vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or artichokes, to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
Serve the dip with whole-grain crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables instead of high-fat or processed options.

Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Spinach Dip Recipe

The spicy spinach dip with pine nuts recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of yogurt, pine nuts, and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying dip that is perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself. The addition of spinach adds a vibrant color and a healthy boost to the dish. The recipe is easy to follow and the result is a delicious dip that will surely impress your guests. Enjoy it with your favorite dippers for a delightful culinary experience.

Enhance Your Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Naan: Serve the spicy spinach dip with pine nuts alongside warm, fluffy garlic naan for a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Grilled Vegetables: Pair the spicy spinach dip with pine nuts with a side of smoky, charred grilled vegetables for a healthy and satisfying appetizer.

Fruit Skewers: For a refreshing and colorful accompaniment to the spicy spinach dip with pine nuts, serve it with a platter of assorted fruit skewers for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Tomato Bruschetta: Create a Mediterranean-inspired spread by serving the spicy spinach dip with pine nuts alongside crispy, garlicky tomato bruschetta for a burst of fresh flavors.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Spicy Spinach Dip With Pine Nuts

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: A delicious and healthy recipe that combines ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of colorful bell peppers for a satisfying meal.

Mango Salsa with Grilled Chicken: This refreshing and tropical salsa is the perfect accompaniment to juicy grilled chicken, adding a burst of flavor to your meal.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: Indulge in the rich and velvety texture of this comforting soup, made with roasted butternut squash and a hint of warm spices for a cozy meal.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Spicy Spinach Dip

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty lemon and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a filling of ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of spices to stuff into colorful bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey goodness. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the molten center creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with a luscious tiramisu that combines layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liqueur, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness and bitterness, making it the perfect ending to any meal.

Why trust this Spicy Spinach Dip with Pine Nuts Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining creamy yogurt with the earthy crunch of pine nuts and the subtle sweetness of onion. The aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder add depth and warmth, while the vibrant spinach infuses the dip with freshness and color. The careful preparation of straining the yogurt ensures a velvety texture, and the use of high-quality olive oil guarantees a rich, savory taste. Trust in this recipe for a tantalizing and satisfying spinach dip experience.

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FAQ:

What can I use as dippers for this spicy spinach dip?

You can use a variety of dippers such as pita bread, tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or even crackers. Get creative and use your favorite dippers!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt in this recipe. Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and a tangier flavor, which can alter the texture and taste of the dip slightly.

Is there a substitute for pine nuts if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They will add a similar crunch and nutty flavor to the dip without the risk of nut allergens.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well combined.

How spicy is this dip with the listed amount of chili powder and cayenne?

The spiciness level of the dip can be adjusted to your preference. The listed amounts of chili powder and cayenne provide a mild to medium level of heat. If you prefer a spicier dip, you can increase the amount of chili powder and cayenne to suit your taste.