If I am making spinach and artichoke dip with fresh artichoke and fresh spinach...?!
Answers: do I need to cook the spinach and artichoke first and if so how do I cook it? Thanks!
Yes, only use the heart of the artichoke and saute them with the spinach and let cool before adding the rest of the ingredients.
yes... you can steam it, boil it, or bake it
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt
Cayenne pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (about 2 ounces)
1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack (about 2 ounces)
1 cup chopped onions
1 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach, stemmed, rinsed and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 (15-ounce) cans artichoke hearts, drained and julienned
1 loaf whole grain baguette, cut into bite-size cubes
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer.
Combine 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil and flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly 5 to 6 minutes for a blond roux. Whisk in the milk and bring the liquid up to a boil. Season the liquid with salt and cayenne. Simmer the liquid for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the liquid is thick and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheeses. Set the sauce aside.
In a saute pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions and saute for 2 minutes. Stir in handfuls of spinach at a time, until all the spinach is incorporated. Add the garlic and artichoke and saute for 2 minutes. Season the vegetables with salt and cayenne. Remove the vegetables from the heat and turn into a mixing bowl. Fold the cheese sauce into the vegetables. Turn the mixture into a baking pan. Bake the dip for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.