Creamy Scallion, Spinach and Artichoke Dip

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One of the most decadent, palate-pleasing appetizers is spinach-artichoke dip. I like my whole-wheat flour-spiked, "micro-steamed" spinach — but still 100% delicious — version better than what I find at a family-style chain restaurant because I know what's in mine. And I know, without a doubt, it's healthier for the planet.

Author of Big Green Cookbook: Hundreds of Planet-Pleasing Recipes and Tips for a Luscious, Low-Carbon Lifestyle.

SERVINGS
Makes 8 Servings: 1/2 cup each

INGREDIENTS
1 pound fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 scallions, green and white parts, minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup stone-ground whole-wheat flour
2/3 cup organic half-and-half, at room temperature
Juice of 1/2 small lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce* or hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated organic or locally produced Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup organic sour cream, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups chopped steamed fresh artichoke hearts or 1 (9-ounce) package thawed frozen artichoke hearts, chopped
1/2 cup shredded organic or locally produced Monterey Jack cheese

PREPARATION
1. Firmly mound the spinach in a large microwave-safe dish. (Do not add water.) "Micro-steam" (cook in the microwave**) on high until the spinach is fully wilted and steaming hot, about 3 minutes. Set aside. (Do not drain.)

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions and sauté for 1 minute. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the half-and-half; stir briskly, smashing with the back of the spatula or spoon to prevent lumping, until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the sour cream, steamed spinach, artichoke hearts and Monterey Jack cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

3. Serve immediately with salsa and organic blue corn tortilla chips.

*Choose a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce which contains no anchovies.

**Microwave cooking times will vary.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Based on individual serving (1 cup)
160 calories
9g total fat
4g saturated fat
0g trans fat
15mg cholesterol
520mg sodium
14g total carbohydrate
6g dietary fiber
7g protein

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