Spinach has been used in many cultures throughout the ages as a food. Studies show that spinach was probably first cultivated as a food in Nepal. Starting around 650 AC Muslim expansionist polices brought spinach to many lands around the world. Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia. Spinach is a very nutritious food that is best when eaten raw, however for the purpose of this recipe we will be cooking it thoroughly.
Making a really good spinach dip at home is a simple and easy task. It will be very easy for you to create your own family tradition from the basic example listed below.
Ingredients:
12 ounce package of frozen spinach. I use Food Lion brand frozen vegetables because they are cheaper and of the same quality as any brand name. An added benefit of Food Lion brand vegetables is usually no extra salt is added to them. Many other brand names add salt to their finished product. I try not to support these companies in any way. Never pay for a name when you can be paying for more food when making a really good spinach dip.
3 ounces of cheese. Pick your favorite. I use Mozzarella, Provolone, or Cheddar cheeses and in any combination I want. I always use the smoked Provolone or Mozzarella when making a really good spinach dip for added flavor complexity. Provolone goes really well in spinach dip in my opinion.
2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. This different cheese added to the above will add a contrast of flavors to your really good spinach dip.
2 tablespoon of sour cream.
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
3 strips of bacon.
1/8th tablespoon of garlic powder.
Directions:
Cover the bottom of a cook pot with about 1/2 inch of water and put your 12 ounce package of spinach in the pot and place the lid on top. The idea here is you want to steam the spinach more than boil it. This keeps more of the wonderful nutrition in the spinach and less of it down the drain. Cook until well done.
While the spinach is cooking, fry your 3 strips of bacon until they are very crispy. Lay them on a paper towel and allow the grease to drain off the bacon. When cool you want to break the bacon up into small pieces to make bacon bits for your really good spinach dip.
Once your spinach has steamed done, drain well however leave a little moisture in the spinach to help make a smooth dip. Pour drained spinach in a large bowl and add your cheeses, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add your garlic powder and the bacon bits too.
Mix all these ingredients while the spinach is still hot from cooking. Add hot water as necessary to get a wet consistency for your dip and continue to stir in all the ingredients until your really good spinach dip is thoroughly mixed.
Really good spinach dip is best served with crackers or thick chips while it is still hot and the cheese is melty. It makes a excellent party dip or luncheon appetizer. I have also successfully served really good spinach dip with well toasted sliced bread.
