Spinach or Swiss Chard Yogurt Spread


Think of this recipe as a kind of โ€œspanakopitaโ€ tzatziki! Iโ€™ve often served up spinach tzatziki in my work as consulting chef for Greek restaurants around the country. This spin on a classic Greek recipe makes it easy for all of us, kids included, to eat our greens, because itโ€™s so delicious. The Greek diet and Mediterranean diet both offer up endless options for eating healthy, flavorful food that will help you live and feel better!

Ingredients

  • 6 fl oz or 180 g fresh baby spinach or Swisschard, trimmed trimmed
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced peeled and minced
  • ย Salt, preferably Greek sea salt, to taste to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh, strained lemon juice (more to taste)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh mint, or 2 teaspoons dried mint
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin Greek olive oil
  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 4 scallions or a bunch of chives, trimmed and chopped trimmed and chopped

Instructions

  1. Have a bowl of ice water on hand.

  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add the spinach or chard, and blanch for 10 to20 seconds. Transfer to the ice water, cool for a minute, then drain exceedingly well and squeeze dry. Chop.

  3. Mash the garlic cloves together with a little salt in a mortar with a pestle. Alternatively, mince the garlic with a knife.

  4. Combine the yogurt, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Stir in the spinach or chard, scallions or chives, and herbs. Serve as a dip with raw vegetables or pita wedges, or use as a great sandwich spread.

  5. The spinach-yogurt combo goes really well with shrimp, turkey or chicken, prosciutto, and grilled eggplant as a spread for sandwiches!

Want to learn more easy, healthy Mediterranean diet recipes? Sign up for my online course “Mastering the Mediterranean!

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