Mona-Lisa Onion Dip

Mona-Lisa Onion Dip Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Mona-Lisa Onion Dip is a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a simple snack. Made with organic yogurt cheese, sweet onion, garlic powder, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and fresh herbs, this dip is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

History

The Mona-Lisa Onion Dip recipe was inspired by the classic French onion dip, but with a healthier twist. By using organic yogurt cheese instead of sour cream, this dip is lower in fat and calories while still being rich and creamy.

Ingredients

2 cups (907 g) of Stonyfield Farm organic low-fat plain yogurt (yogurt cheese)
0.5 of a fresh small sweet onion or vidalia, grated
0.13 to 0.5 tsp of garlic powder
1 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
0.13 to 0.5 tsp of white wine vinegar
salt and white pepper to taste
1 tbsp of chopped chives
1 tbsp of chopped parsley

How to prepare

Yogurt Cheese

Using a yogurt cheese maker or layered cheese cloth, strain the whey from 2 qt (1.89 liters) of yogurt for 3 – 6 hours in the refrigerator.
This should yield 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Dip

Mix yogurt cheese with all ingredients together and serve.

Variations

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess and tanginess.
Stir in some chopped olives or capers for a salty kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to strain the yogurt for at least 3 hours to ensure a thick and creamy yogurt cheese.

- Grate the onion finely to ensure it blends well into the dip.

- Adjust the amount of garlic powder and white pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish with additional chopped chives and parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mona-Lisa Onion Dip with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crackers for a tasty appetizer or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Straining the yogurt to make yogurt cheese is the key technique in this recipe. Be sure to allow enough time for the whey to drain out to achieve a thick and creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find organic yogurt cheese, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the yogurt cheese and chop the herbs ahead of time to save time when preparing the dip. Store the dip in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mona-Lisa Onion Dip in a decorative bowl garnished with additional chopped herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mona-Lisa Onion Dip with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mona-Lisa Onion Dip contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mona-Lisa Onion Dip contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mona-Lisa Onion Dip contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mona-Lisa Onion Dip contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mona-Lisa Onion Dip is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Mona-Lisa Onion Dip is a nutritious and delicious dip that is high in protein and calcium, making it a great snack option.

Summary

Mona-Lisa Onion Dip is a delicious and nutritious dip that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with your favorite dippers and impress your guests with this tasty snack option.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Mona-Lisa Onion Dip. It was a warm summer day in the small town of Tuscany, where I grew up. I was just a young girl, fascinated by the sights and smells of my grandmother's kitchen. She was a master in the art of cooking, and I hung onto her every word as she prepared her delicious dishes.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching her chop onions for a savory soup, she suddenly turned to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Would you like to learn how to make something special today, my dear?" she asked. I nodded eagerly, curious to see what new culinary adventure she had in store for me.

My grandmother reached into a dusty old recipe box on the shelf and pulled out a faded recipe card. As she handed it to me, she explained that it was a family recipe passed down through generations - Mona-Lisa Onion Dip. Intrigued by the name, I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions.

The recipe called for caramelized onions, creamy sour cream, tangy yogurt, and a blend of herbs and spices. It seemed like a simple enough dish to make, but my grandmother warned me that the key to its deliciousness was in the careful caramelization of the onions. She showed me how to slowly cook them over low heat until they were golden brown and sweet, releasing their rich flavor.

I watched in fascination as she mixed the onions with the creamy dairy ingredients, adding a dash of garlic and a sprinkle of parsley for extra flavor. The dip came together beautifully, with a rich, creamy texture and a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water.

As my grandmother spooned the Mona-Lisa Onion Dip into a serving bowl, she explained that the dip was named after the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Just like the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile, this dip had a mysterious and alluring quality that kept people coming back for more.

I eagerly dipped a crispy breadstick into the creamy concoction and took a bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds - the sweetness of the caramelized onions, the tanginess of the sour cream and yogurt, and the perfect balance of herbs and spices. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen someday.

Over the years, I perfected the art of making Mona-Lisa Onion Dip, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I shared it with friends and family, who all marveled at its deliciousness and begged for the recipe. I even entered it in a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the town's culinary hall of fame.

As I look back on that fateful day in my grandmother's kitchen, I realize that learning to make Mona-Lisa Onion Dip was more than just a culinary adventure - it was a journey of discovery and love. It taught me the importance of tradition, the joy of sharing good food with others, and the power of a simple recipe to bring people together.

And so, whenever I make Mona-Lisa Onion Dip now, I do it with a smile on my face and a grateful heart. I know that somewhere up above, my grandmother is looking down on me with pride, knowing that her legacy lives on in every creamy, savory bite.