Namaste friends, my name is Karanjit Singh and I’m excited to share my Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip recipe with you! Growing up in India, I learned to appreciate the rich flavors and spices used in Indian cuisine, and I’ve been a home cook for many years. When I moved to Canada, I was intrigued by the different combinations of flavors and ingredients used in Western cuisine. I wanted to create a dish that blended my love of Indian spices with Western appetizers. That’s how my spinach dip recipe was born!
Karanjit Singh has been an adventurous person from a very young age. Growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas in India, he developed a love of hiking and exploring the outdoors. He later became interested in different cuisines from around the world and began experimenting with new recipes in his kitchen. Now, he enjoys blending his love for adventure with his love for cooking and spends his free time whipping up new creations in the kitchen.
Karanjit Singh currently resides in Canada and grew up in India.
My Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip is a vegan and gluten-free blend of familiar ingredients with a twist. I love using soaked cashews to provide a luxuriously smooth texture to the dip, which is reminiscent of the dairy-heavy dips I grew up with. The nutritional yeast, garlic, and frozen spinach all come together to create a perfectly balanced flavor that will leave you and your guests wanting more. Did you know that nutritional yeast is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals? It makes this dip nutritious and delicious!
Folks, life is unpredictable and even more so with the pandemic that’s still affecting us. With the onset of isolation and work from home, we need comfort and indulgence. But comfort and indulgence don’t have to come at the cost of our dietary restrictions. My Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip is the perfect solution for your snack cravings. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional dips because it’s vegan and gluten-free. Plus, the combination of creamy cashews and spinach is simply irresistible. Whip up this dip for your next Zoom happy hour or indulge yourself on a cozy evening at home. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
What you need
Looking for a creamy and indulgent dip that doesn’t rely on dairy? Look no further than my Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip recipe! This vegan, gluten-free dip is perfect for parties or for a cozy night in. The secret to this dip’s luxurious texture is soaked cashews, which provide a buttery and creamy base that mimics the texture of a classic spinach dip. Combined with frozen spinach, nutritional yeast, and fragrant garlic, this dip is packed with flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to plan ahead for the cashews to soak for a few hours, and then blend all your ingredients together in the food processor until it’s creamy and smooth. Chill the dip in the fridge to let the flavors meld together, then serve this decadent delight with your favorite veggie dippers, crackers, or chips. Trust me, once you try this dip, you won’t miss dairy at all!
Ingredients:
- Cashews – Soaking the cashews overnight will yield the creamiest texture. Can be substituted with silken tofu for a nut-free version.
- Frozen Spinach – Frozen spinach is a convenient and affordable option, but fresh spinach can also be used.
- Nutritional Yeast – Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to the dip. Can be substituted with grated vegan parmesan cheese or omit for a less cheesy taste.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic provides a pungent flavor but garlic powder can also be used.
- Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. Can be swapped with lime juice or white wine vinegar.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil adds richness and healthy fat to the dip. Can be swapped with avocado oil or coconut oil.
- Salt and Pepper – Salt and pepper enhance and balance the flavors. Use more or less according to your preference.
Utensils:
- Food Processor – A high-speed blender can also be used instead.
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Bowl – A large mixing bowl for serving.
Cashews – The Secret to Creamy Vegan Dips
Cashews are a versatile nut that can be used in various forms to add a creamy, dairy-free texture to recipes. When soaked and blended, cashews create a smooth texture that mimics the texture of cream cheese. They are also an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like copper, magnesium, and zinc. As a vegan alternative to dairy products, cashews can help lower inflammation levels in the body, support healthy skin and hair, and improve heart health. Personally, as someone who loves creamy dips, I always make sure to have cashews on hand to add a luscious texture to my dishes.
Nutritional Yeast – The Cheesy Vegan Secret
Nutritional yeast is a vegan ingredient that adds a cheesy flavor to recipes without any dairy. It’s a deactivated yeast made from sugarcane or beet molasses that is harvested, washed, and dried with heat to deactivate it. The deactivated yeast is then fortified with vitamins and nutrients like vitamin B12, which can be challenging for vegans to obtain from their diet. Nutritional yeast contains a savory flavor called umami, which makes it a popular addition to vegan dishes like mac and cheese, soups, and dips. As a health benefit, nutritional yeast is low in fat, calories, and sodium but high in protein and fiber. It’s also a good source of several B vitamins, such as thiamin and niacin. Personally, I love using nutritional yeast because it gives a cheesy flavor to dishes that I might otherwise miss as a vegan, plus the added nutrients are always welcome.
What to serve it with?
I love serving my Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip with a variety of dippers! My personal favorites are sliced cucumbers, carrots, and gluten-free crackers. The crunchy veggies and the creamy dip are a match made in heaven, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Growing up in India, we had a strong culture of snacking and sharing food with friends and family. Whenever someone visited our home, my mother would always offer them something to eat. So, this recipe reminds me of my heritage and the importance of sharing our food with loved ones. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it solo, my Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip with your choice of dippers is the perfect snack option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed my Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip recipe as much as I do! Whether you’re looking for a new vegan or gluten-free appetizer recipe or simply want to indulge in a guilt-free snack, this recipe is perfect for you. I encourage you to get creative with your dippers and try out different combinations to find your perfect match.
What’s your favorite dipper to serve with this recipe? Are you a fan of sliced veggies or savory crackers? Do you have any unique toppings or flavor additions to recommend? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s start a conversation about this indulgent and healthy dip. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media and use the hashtag #KaranjitsKitchen. I can’t wait to see and hear about all your wonderful creations!
Here’s the recipe:
Dairy-Free Decadence: Creamy Spinach Dip for All
Equipment
- Food processor
- spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- cutting board
- Knife
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cashews
- 10 oz Frozen Spinach
- 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- To taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Soak the Cashews - Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight for the creamiest texture.
- Drain and Rinse the Cashews - Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly with cool water.
- Sauté the Garlic - In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic with a tablespoon of olive oil until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Blend the Ingredients - Add the soaked cashews, sautéed garlic, frozen spinach, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of water to a food processor. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. - Stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure all ingredients are blended thoroughly.
- Transfer to Serving Dish - Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with any desired toppings before serving. Enjoy!
