Turkish Yogurt Spinach Dip
Yoğurtlu Ispanak
This creamy Turkish spinach dip combines tender sautéed spinach with cooling yogurt and aromatic garlic for a refreshing, tangy flavor. The vibrant green mixture has a smooth, velvety texture with flecks of wilted spinach throughout. It's the perfect healthy appetizer that brings authentic Turkish flavors to any table in just minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the ingredients
Wash the spinach thoroughly and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces. Finely mince the garlic cloves and dice the onion into small pieces. Let ingredients come to room temperature for 10 minutes. Do not skip washing the spinach as dirt can make the dish gritty.
-
Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown or it will become bitter.
-
Cook the spinach
Add the chopped spinach to the pan in batches over medium-high heat. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until all spinach is wilted and dark green. The volume should reduce by about 75 percent. Do not overcook or the spinach will become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
-
Season and cool
Season the cooked spinach with salt and black pepper, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat and let cool completely for 15-20 minutes until no steam rises. The mixture should feel cool to the touch. Do not add yogurt while the spinach is still warm as it will curdle.
-
Combine with yogurt
In a serving bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy for 1-2 minutes. Gently fold in the cooled spinach mixture and lemon juice over low heat for 2-3 minutes until well combined. The mixture should be evenly green with no white streaks. Do not overmix or the yogurt may separate.
-
Chill and serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until well chilled. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. The flavors should be balanced and refreshing. Do not serve immediately as chilling allows the flavors to meld together properly.
Tips
Cooking Tips
Squeeze excess water from the cooked spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent the yogurt from becoming watery and to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Alternatives
Substitute frozen spinach if fresh isn't available, but thaw and drain it thoroughly first - the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Serving & Storage
Serve chilled with warm pita bread, crackers, or as part of a Turkish meze spread alongside olives and cheese. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Leave a Comment