Yogurt and Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj)

Tags

borani, easy appetizer, healthy spinach dip, Persian dip, spinach, vegetarian yogurt and spinach dip, yogurt

Yogurt and Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj)

This Persian version of spinach dip is a lot healthier and lower in calorie than the traditional Western version made with mayonnaise and sour cream. This dish can be served as an appetizer with pita bread or as a side with a main dish.

Yogurt and Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj)

Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ready in: 15 min
Yields: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 pound fresh spinach
4 cups yogurt
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 garlic clove grated (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large skillet, cook spinach on high heat until all juices are gone, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.

Press any excess liquid out of spinach and coarsely chop.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve with pita bread.

Yogurt and Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj)

Cook spinach.

Squeeze out excess liquid and coarsely chop.

Combine all ingredients.

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Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Tags

easy appetizer, Persian appetizer, Persian yogurt dip, vegetarian appetizer, yogurt and cucumber dip with mint

Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Yogurt and cucumber dip is a very popular appetizer that is usually served with chips or pita bread. This versatile and delicious dish also complements Persian dishes like estamboli polo, adas polo and baghali polo to name a few. Any plain yogurt works in this recipe, from nonfat to Greek which has a much higher fat content.

Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 0
Ready in: 10 min
Yields: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

3 cups plain yogurt
1 English cucumber or 3 large Persian cucumbers peeled and diced
1 large garlic clove peeled and finely chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped or 2 teaspoons dried mint
1 tablespoon fresh French tarragon leaves chopped or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the yogurt, cucumber, fresh or dried mint, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh or dried mint. Serve with chips or pita bread.

Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Add chopped cucumber, mint and garlic to a bowl.

Stir in yogurt, salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Yogurt and Cucumber Dip