—————————————————— Recipe: Mediterranean Seven-Layer Dip | Eating Our Words | Houston | Houston Press | The Leading Independent News Source in Houston, Texas

Health

Recipe: Mediterranean Seven-Layer Dip

Seven-layer dip (also known as "Mexican" or "Taco" dip) is awesome. Recipes vary but most involve strata of refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes or salsa, ground beef, black olives, green onions, and/or peppers.

From the list of aforementioned ingredients, it's easy to surmise that seven-layer dip is not terribly healthful in its most traditional form. Yes, you can easily lighten it by using low-fat or lower-salt versions of the seven components; however, for a healthier albeit different spin on this classic party appetizer, go south of (French) border for inspiration.

Many of the traditional mezze, spreads, and condiments of the Mediterranean region in combination give rise a lovely, lighter-style seven-layer dip with more protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and nutrients. "It's European," you can brag to your guests, just before taking a huge honkin' scoopful and shoving in it your mouth. The recipe, after the jump. This article continues on the next page.

KEEP THE HOUSTON PRESS FREE... Since we started the Houston Press, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Houston, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls.
Joanna O'Leary