Saturday, April 23, 2011

Asparagus Dip




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This recipe is sometimes called "asparagus guacamole". It's called this because it's green and has lime. But I gotta be honest and tell you even if you substitute cilantro for the basil, it does not taste like guacamole.  It is, however, a bright tasting, delicious, low-cal dip that is great in it's own right. It deserves to be thought of not as a sad guacamole substitute but a unique, original dip of its own. 

A cup of chopped avocado has approximately 250 calories and 22 grams of fat. Of course, the avocado also has fibre, potassium and vitamin C which makes it a nutritional star. But when calories count, the mere 40 calories in a cup of cooked asparagus makes me stand up and cheer for this skinny little veggie.

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pound(s) asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 Tbsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise 
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup basil, chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 medium jalapeno pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle pepper sauce
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt, or to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring large pot of water to boil. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. 
2. Place asparagus into food processor and purée until smooth. Blend in remaining ingredients.
3. Refreigerate until cool.
4. Serve with assortment of veggies and tortilla chips.

4 comments:

  1. Never knew asparagus could be used for dip! Thank you for this!

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  2. What a great idea. I love asparagus and would be happy to think of this as a dip in its own right and an not a "sad gaucamole substitute". The coloured chips look so pretty with it.

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  3. What a great substitute for guac!

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  4. I'm afraid asparagus is unknown to me as it doesn't grow here in the Caribbean but your dish looks so colourful - I want some.

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