{football friday} better-than-7 layer dip

Seven is such a nice number when it comes to football. Extra point, easy up through the goal posts? Yep. We all expect it, like it and are in quite a panic on the rare occasion that it doesn't make it. (I don't know about you, but I'm almost never comfortable when you have to "go for two." I prefer the kicker get his chance to do his thing in the case of points after touchdown.) 

So I'll stick with 7 when it comes to piling points on the board, thank you very much. But I beg to differ when it comes to the finer points of tailgating dips. 

The classic 7 Layer Dip has never been one of my faves. It's "ok." I don't hate it... I just have never found it terribly compelling. Typically comprised of layer-upon-layer of high-sodium, highly-processed packaged foods, it just never has the "fresh" taste that you expect when you see it show up on the tailgating table. 

This is my variation (If you count, I think it's more like a 6 Layer Dip, just to be clear). It's a departure, but in the same spirit of the original dish. You make a layer of your own refried beans using low-sodium pinto beans (would be even better if you prepped in advance and made from dry beans), cumin seeds (which are a must in your pantry... so much better than ground cumin) and fresh lime juice. I stir in a little reduced fat pepper jack cheese to help recreate the creaminess of refried beans with a spicy punch (sans traditional lard). 

I like to top with a little shredded chicken... personal choice here for a more hearty dish. You could easily leave out if you're not a meat eater. 

The real surprise is the savoy cabbage topping. The thing I find least appealing about traditional 7 Layer Dip is the use of iceberg lettuce... one of the few vegetables that I just have no taste for. It's a "what's the point" veggie, to me. Sure, it provides a crisp crunch, but I like ingredients to work a little harder... in terms of nutrition, especially. Savoy cabbage is rich in vitamins K & C and fiber... but its mild cabbage flavor and crinkle appearance make it a great substitution for iceberg - most people never really notice the difference in a dish like this.

Lastly, I choose to make a avocado/tomato topping, rather than a guacamole for those people who for some strange reason that I don't understand don't like guacamole. This allows for a more "selective" bite of dip that might not include avocado (although I don't recommend it... I say expand your avocado horizons. You won't be disappointed!)

Questions:

What about you...do you like 7 Layer Dip or do you like 7 points on the board more? 

Planning any big tailgating spreads this year? Be sure to join in on our {football friday} blog hop below!

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Better-Than-7 Layer Dip

1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 lime, juiced and divided

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded 50% reduced fat pepper jack cheese (I used Cabot), divided

Salt and pepper (to taste)

1 chicken breast, roasted and shredded

1/2 head savoy cabbage, very thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Chopped fresh cilantro (to taste)

1 avocado, cubed

1 roma tomato, cubed

Garnish: salsa and cilantro

Combine beans, water and cumin seeds in a small saucepan; bring to a boil, reduced heat and simmer 10 minutes or until water is almost completely reduced. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 cup cheese and salt and pepper (to taste). Spread in bottom of a pie plate. Top with chicken and remaining cheese; set aside. 

Combine cabbage, 1 tablespoon lime juice, red pepper flakes, cilantro and salt (to taste). Layer over chicken. 

Combine avocado, tomato and any remaining lime juice. Layer over cabbage. Top with salsa and cilantro. 

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