Shishito Peppers with an Herb Dip

Shishito peppers have become quite popular in the restaurant world as a trendy appetizer, usually sautéed with oil and salt and then served with a fatty cream dip or sauce. Want to make a healthy version at home with all the flavor and none of the fat? Then you will love this 7 minute recipe for a homemade shishito pepper appetizer. It also makes the perfect afternoon snack!

Here are your ingredients: 

1 bag raw shishito peppers (I have only found this at my local Trader Joe’s) 
¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 handful fresh basil, chopped finely
1 handful mint, chopped finely
1 teaspoon Garlic Pepper (I use Spice Islands) 
Salt, to taste

Here are your directions: Set your broiler (oven or toaster oven) to 500˚F.

Place shishito peppers on baking sheet in one layer, and broil for 6 minutes. They will be deliciously charred when finished!

Meanwhile, mix together remaining ingredients in a small dip bowl.

When peppers are finished, place in serving bowl, and enjoy dipping them hot into the cold herb dip!

Why:  A serving of shishito peppers contribute 33% of your daily value of vitamin C. Remember, vitamin C is not just a good booster when you feel a cold coming on- vitamin C also plays a critical role in regulating cholesterol. Vitamin C lowers total serum cholesterol, and specifically in the elderly, elevates HDL cholesterol (this is the “good guy” when it comes to cholesterol). Hint: I used plain nonfat Greek yogurt for the herb dip instead of a light sour cream. When you compare Fage’s Total 0% plain Greek yogurt (100 calories per 6 oz, 16 grams of protein, 0 grams total fat, 0 grams saturated fat) to Daisy’s Light Sour Cream (227 calories per 6 oz, 11 grams of protein, 14 grams total fat, 11 grams saturated fat), the healthier choice is clear! Nonfat plain Greek yogurt offers a protein-rich base to savory or sweet recipes without any fat. What recipe could you use it in as a healthy substitute?