Caramelized Onion Dip

I happened to have fresh chive blossoms for garnish, but you certainly don't need 'em for this easy dip!

Why do magazines always seem to recommend dipping veggies into low-fat Ranch dressing? First of all, I don't understand all the love for Ranch flavor; I don't even know what Ranch flavor is (hints of manure and dirt?). But more than that, have you ever looked at the ingredient list on a bottle of Ranch dressing? Sugar, artificial colors and flavors, MSG -- stuff you generally want to avoid, not add to your daily diet.

Why not dip your veggies in something that is actually nutritious? Salsa is great but (for my money, anyway) better suited to chips or food than crudite; guacamole is super healthful but high in calories, which means you have to watch your portions if you're watching your weight. So, how about some classic onion dip? 

This recipe is just as easy as opening a packet of that dehydrated onion soup mix, but doesn't include all the partially hydrogenated oil, MSG, and other crap. My dip is made from real onions (with real nutritional benefits) and greek yogurt, which is chock full of calcium, protein, potassium and probiotics. And tastes damn good, too. 


Ingredients:
(serves 2-4)

• 1c plain greek yogurt
• 2/3c caramelized onions (I used the slow cooker ones I keep on hand)
• about 2T chopped fresh chives
• salt, to taste

Put the yogurt in a bowl. 

Add the caramelized onions and salt to the yogurt and mix well.

Toss in the chives and stir again. Let sit at least an hour (but overnight is better) so that the onion flavor seeps into all the yogurt.

Tasty dip is a great way to add more veggies to your diet!

When I'm feeling fancy, I sometimes put a bit of herbes de provence in this dip; it adds a certain je ne sais quoi (and, apparently, makes you speak French). Certainly, this is a flexible recipe and you can add any other spices or herbs you'd like.


FYI, one cup of yogurt — the amount we used in this entire recipe — is considered one serving; the slow cooker onions and any raw veggies you eat with this have minimal calories. This is a great option for anyone looking for a filling, satisfying dip that you can actually feel good about eating!


And if you're not in the mood for raw veggies, this is great with some baked sweet potato chips or fries (y'all know how I love that savory/sweet balance!).