TURKISH YOGURT AND SPINACH DIP

Turkish Yogurt and Spinach Dip image

Known in Turkey as caçik, this garlicky mixture of green vegetables, fresh herbs and yogurt can be served as a salad or as a dip with pita and raw vegetables. Traditionally, caçik is made with a number of vegetables, including cucumbers, cabbage and beets.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories easy, quick, dips and spreads, salads and dressings

Time 20m

Yield About 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

1 6-ounce bag baby spinach
2 plump garlic cloves, halved, green shoots removed
Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (more to taste)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, or 1 teaspoon dried mint
2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups thickened yogurt or thick Greek style yogurt
1 bunch scallions, chopped (optional)

Steps:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, add the spinach and blanch for 10 to 20 seconds. Transfer to the ice water, cool for a minute, then drain and squeeze dry. Chop coarsely.
Place the garlic in a mortar and pestle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and mash to a paste (alternatively, finely mince). Combine with the lemon juice and olive oil, and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in the yogurt.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, dill, parsley and mint. Stir in the yogurt and garlic mixture, and the optional scallions. Add freshly ground pepper to taste and more salt if desired. Serve with bread, pita or raw vegetables.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 218, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 488 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams