Four-and-a-Half Layer Dip

Hello Amigos!

In the spirit of the Super Bowl, and Superbowl related snacks, I’d like to present the most awesomest chip dip, ever:  Four-and-a-Half Layer Dip!   Obviously, this is a vegan version of the classic 5-layer dip that usually includes sour cream and shredded cheddar.  My recipe uses a decadent cashew ricotta to replace the sour cream and cheese.   Since “4 layer dip” sounded so underwhelming to me, I squeaked in another half layer consisting of several yummy confetti garnishes!

Materials: food processor, spatula, clear, medium-sized casserole dish

1. Refried Bean Layer

• 2 c. cooked pinto beans (or 1 can, drained)
• 1 Tbs. cooking oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 Tbs chili powder or taco seasoning
• 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Heat oil and saute onion and jalapeno until tender.  Dust with salt and chili powder and cook 30 seconds more.  Stir in Pinto beans and add a Tbs of water to thin out mixture.  Transfer to food processor or blender.  Blend, adding extra water if necessary to get a smoother consistency.  Adjust seasonings and spread into the bottom of glass dish.

2. Simple Guacamole Layer

• 3 large, ripe avocados
• lime juice to taste (about 1.4 C, about 2 limes)
• salt to taste (1/2 tsp +)

Put 2 of the 3 avocados in food processor with lime juice and salt.  Dice remaining avocado into small cubes.  In a medium bowl, fold together.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Spread over top of bean layer.

3. Cashew Ricotta Layer

• 1/4 C thick cashew cream
• 4 oz tofu, cubed roughly
• 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 C)
• 1 tsp miso paste
• 1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse.  Every few pulses, scrape down sides of bowl.  Do not over-process, as you want a ricotta-like texture.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Spread carefully on top of guacamole mixture.

4. Salsa Layer:

• 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved

Arrange decoratively on top of Cashew Ricotta mixture.

5. “1/2″ Layer

• 1 chopped green onion
• 2-3 cilantro sprigs
• 3-4 chopped black olives

Srpinkle green and olive pieces uniformly, arrange whole cilantro sprigs on top.

Serve with Tortilla Chips and enjoy!