Low sugar salsa and dips
When you feel the need for a snack coming on step away from the sugar and reach for some crudités instead such as celery, cucumber or carrot - all taste great with Tonia's low sugar salsa and yogurt dips.
Low sugar salsa (see video above)
This wonderful salsa is great as a savoury snack - dip into it with a stick or two of celery or other crudites or on a slice of wholemeal rye bread.
It is also a BRILLIANT alternative to sugar laden ketchup! Make up a big batch and it will last in the fridge for a week.
250g chopped tomatoes1 chopped green bell pepper1 onion, dicedSmall bunch of fresh coriander, finely choppedJuice and zest of a lime (or two if you like it very tangy)1 small jalapeño pepper, chopped (including seeds if you like it hot)1/2 tsp ground cumin1/2 tsp sea salt1/2 tsp ground black pepper1⁄4 tsp turmericDrizzle of olive oil
Method:
Stir all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Chill before serving.
Spinach and yogurt dip
(Serves 6 - will last a week in the fridge)
1 kg fresh young spinach, chopped finely1⁄2 large bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped5 large spring onions, trimmed, sliced finely1⁄4 tsp turmeric2 glasses (500ml) strained natural Greek yogurt6 tbsp olive oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
In a large pan gently heat 3 tbsp olive oil. Add the spinach, tossing to coat the leaves with oil then leave for a couple of minutes to wilt in the heat.
Remove from the heat and tip into a bowl. If there is a lot of water drain.
Season with salt and pepper then add the mint, spring onions, turmeric and yoghurt, folding together thoroughly
Spoon into a serving bowl then drizzle on the remaining olive oil
Serve at room temperature and eat as fresh as possible
Tahini Dip
Tahini is pulped sesame seeds and you can buy a jar of it in most supermarkets now or all Asian, middle Eastern or Mediterranean delis will have it. One jar goes a long way!
2 heaped tbsp of tahini paste2-4 cloves garlic, crushedJuice of 2-3 lemons2 tbsp of olive oilGenerous pinch of salt to tasteCold water to thinChopped parsley to garnishGenerous pinch of salt to taste
Method:
Combine all the ingredients, beating hard ( this can be done with an electric blender)
Add enough water to give a pouring consistency
To serve sprinkle with parsley and drizzle with olive oil
Or combine the following for tahini yogurt sauce
1 heaped tbsp of tahini paste,2 clove garlic crushed (or more if you like)1 pinch sea saltJuice of 1 lemon50g (1 large tbsp) Greek yogurtCold water to slacken if needed