Spinach Dip

Spinach dip can easily become a bowl of dairy with a little green mixed through it.\n\nThis version gives the spinach a stronger role.\n\n## Ingredients\n\nMakes about 2 1/2 cups\n\n- 1 bunch spinach, roughly chopped, about 5 cups\n- 2 cloves garlic\n- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped\n- 1/2 fresh green chili, or to taste\n- 1/4 cup fresh parsley\n- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves\n- 1 tbsp lemon juice\n- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste\n- 2 cups light sour cream\n- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise\n\n## Method\n\nBlanch the spinach in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Drain well.\n\nPulse the garlic, green onions, and chili. Add parsley and cilantro and pulse briefly. Add spinach, then the lemon juice, salt, pepper, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Blend until just combined.\n\n## Blanching changes the spinach\n\nRaw spinach carries volume. Blanched spinach collapses and distributes more easily through the dip.\n\n## Drain before blending\n\nExcess water would thin the dip unnecessarily.\n\nThe recipe feels lighter because the greens remain central rather than decorative.