| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 18g | 9g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 6g | 0.65g |
Just the other day, I crafted a delightful dish that took me straight back to my roots – the Spicy Creole Onion Dip. There’s something truly magical about this humble dip; it’s not just a combination of rich, tantalizing flavors, but is an embodiment of my culinary journey, my Pacific Northwest upbringing, and my deep seeded love for all things Japanese.
On the surface, this recipe is an ode to Creole cuisine but dig a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a mingling of international influences that reflect the global nature of today’s gastronomy. Also, let’s not forget the remarkable health benefits. This dish, while being hugely flavorsome, is also packed with essential nutrients and vitamins you need in your daily diet.
Flavors of the World
Think of our Spicy Creole Onion Dip as a world tour in a dish. The aromatic sweet onions and full-bodied red bell peppers represent the quintessentially American Creole cuisine. But wait, there’s the bold addition of jalapeño, reminding you of the spicy Mexican cuisine. And then, we have the soft cream cheese and tangy mayonnaise, inspired, of course, by French culinary prowess.
Finally, the unexpected twist – diced fresh mixed fruit. This addition is something I took from my Japanese heritage. The subtly sweet and mildly tart notes of fresh fruit complement the spicy, savory depth of the dip, much akin to the balance found in traditional Japanese dishes like sushi.
The Health Aspect Of It
Relishing a flavorful dish that’s filled with health benefits? Yes, it’s possible. This recipe is a riot of colors, thanks to vegetables like onions and bell peppers. They offer a healthy dose of Vitamins C, B6, and A. Onions are also known for their antioxidant properties which can support your body in the long run. Additionally, the jalapeno peppers in this dish are a great source of capsaicin, a compound that boosts metabolism and promotes heart health. Not to mention, the fresh fruit component brings in a burst of fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Pair it Up
This Spicy Creole Onion Dip is assertive and versatile, enabling it to pair comfortably with a variety of dishes. It maintains its own with robust flavors of barbecue ribs or fried chicken, while it’s sublime with an assortment of fresh vegetables for dipping. For those who enjoy a Pacific Northwest touch, the dip works wonders with salmon or crab cakes. Furthermore, given its international flair, it wouldn’t be out of place alongside sushi rolls or tempuras, resonating with my Japanese heritage.
This recipe is a testament to culinary diversity and my constant pursuit of bold, balanced, and health-conscious gastronomy.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups chopped sweet onions
- 1 cup chopped red bell peppers
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup diced mixed fresh fruit (apples, peaches, pears)
Method
Step One
Chop 2 cups of sweet onions, 1 cup of red bell peppers and one jalapeno into fine pieces. Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Mix until well combined.
Step Three
In the same bowl, add in the chopped onions, bell peppers, jalapeno and minced garlic. Stir until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
Step Four
Add in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon of creole seasoning, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Step Five
Dice an assortment of fresh fruit such as apples, peaches and pears to make 1 cup.
Step Six
Stir the diced fruit into the dip until well combined.
Step Seven
Serve the dip immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy this Spicy Creole Onion Dip with your favorite chips or as a topping for grilled meats.
