Artichoke Hearts Attack
Artichoke hearts are readily available in cans and jars in many countries, and are increasingly used in the making of snack dips. Many national chain restaurants in the USA have some variety of artichoke dip, which is usually mayonnaise-based. One of the easiest, yet unhealthy, variations on the creamy artichoke dip is jokingly called the Artichoke Hearts Attack, owing to the amount of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese it contains.
As an “equal parts” recipe, (with 3 simple parts), it is especially amenable to whipping up at the last minute for a party, and as it is primarily a base to which other ingredients are added, it is popular among those who like to add something distinctive.
Ingredients
Equal parts:
* artichoke hearts, chopped or squeezed
* mayonnaise
* Parmesan or Romano cheese
Procedure
Just mix them up, that’s it.
Notes, tips, and variations
There are many who increase the amount of artichokes used, for health-conscious reasons. There are also versions that replace the mayonnaise with soft tofu.
Various items that are often added to the base artichoke dip, (to taste):
* salt and pepper
* chopped scallions, (green onions)
* dill weed
* finely chopped olives, (often with pimento)
* chopped tomatoes are an especially common addition
* any number of very finely chopped vegetables, sometimes pre-cooked but raw is fine
* chopped spinach, cooked
* ½ cup sour cream
* ½ cup cream cheese
* minced garlic
* small can chopped green chilis
* Dijon mustard (teaspoon or tablespoon to taste)
Serving
At room temperature, it is perfect for the savory dipping of vegetables, potato chips, and all other common party snacks. It becomes even better, however, as a warmed-up dip. Simply place it into a small, shallow, heat-resistant dish and broil it for just a little while, until the top turns slightly tan. It can also work well as a continuously warmed dip in a fondue pot, although it does need to be stirred every once in a while to prevent burning.
Another interesting use, for those who are definitely not counting calories, is as the base for a sandwich. Spread the dip onto a good Italian roll, then broil it. When the dip turns a nice tan color, take it out of the broiler and finish the sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
Six−Layer Mediterranean Dip
8 ounces prepared hummus
1 1/4 sour cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 ripe avocado, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup peeled and chopped cucumbers
salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste
6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons minced kalamata olives
pita chips
Combine 1/4 cup sour cream with the prepared hummus, then spread mixture on the bottom of a 9 inch pie dish. Combine remaining sour cream and cumin and spread over the hummus layer. Toss together the garlic powder, salt, lemon juice, chopped tomatoes, and avocado, then spread over the yogurt layer. Add a layer of the cucumbers and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Add a layer of feta, then finish it all off with olives. Let chill for an hour before serving with pita chips.