The festive season is upon us and so too is food for entertaining. Here is a trio of dips, ones that can be made ahead, to serve with healthy and crisp bagel chips.
Serve with bright red pomegranate seeds for a tangy taste and bright colour.
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
INGREDIENTS:
2 red peppers, cut in half, stem and seeds removed
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
pinch of cayenne pepper
pinch of paprika
3 Tablespoons grated asiago or romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
PREPARATION:
Pre-heat oven to 400F.
On a foil lined pie plate, place the cut red peppers, skin side up.
Roast, turning occasionally for 20–25 minutes until skins are charred.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, over medium heat, sauté the olive oil, shallot and garlic for about 3 minutes or until shallot is softened.
Add in the cayenne and paprika.
Remove charred skins from roasted peppers and scrape the soft flesh into a food processor.
Add in the shallot mixture, grated cheese, salt and pepper.
Process until all is smooth and thick.
Transfer to a serving dish.
Yield = 1 cup
Green Guacamole
INGREDIENTS:
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons finely minced onion
1 small tomato, chopped
2 Tablespoons lime juice
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped or snipped with scissors
1/4 teaspoon salt
few drops of hot pepper sauce
PREPARATION:
Place all ingredients into a food processor fitted with a metal blade.
Process until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Yield = 1 cup
Healthy Hummus
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup garbanzo beans, cooked or canned
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped or snipped with scissors
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
PREPARATION:
Place all ingredients into a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process.
Scrape down bowl several times and continue to process till hummus is very smooth.
Yield = 1 cup
Bagel Chips
INGREDIENTS:
2 bagels
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 or 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
PREPARATION:
Slice the bagels very thinly.
Place on a foil or parchment-paper lined baking sheet.
Mix the oil and garlic in a small bowl.
Lightly brush both sides of the bagel with the garlic infused oil, turning to coat.
Bake in a 350F oven for about 5-8 minutes or until very crisp and golden brown.
Yield = 10 whole or 20 half chips