Feelin' Groovy Queso

Slow down, you munch too fast. You've got to make this queso last!

This dip looks and tastes so much like queso, you won't be able to tell the difference. It will melt just like real cheese, so you can soften it again after refrigeration.  Store it in the fridge for up to a week. 

 

WHAT'S IN IT

·         2 cups potatoes, diced large

·         1 cup carrots, diced large

·         1/2 cup water

·         1/3 cup olive oil

·         2 t sea salt or Himalayan salt

·         1 T fresh lemon juice

·         1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes

·         1-inch piece fresh turmeric root

·         ¼ t onion powder

·         ¼ t garlic powder

·         dash of cayenne (or more to your taste)

·         dash of black pepper

HOW TO MAKE IT

1.     Peel, chunk and boil the potatoes and carrots until soft, about 30 minutes.

2.    Blend remaining ingredients on high in blender or Cuisinart mixer. Add potatoes and carrots once softened, and blend until the queso is extremely smooth.

WHY IT’S HEALTHY

Potatoes can get a bad rap, but they provide plenty of antioxidants and nutrients. They are high source of potassium, which is important for building strong bones and supporting heart health and provide about 20% of your daily needs of manganese which is important for bone and nerve health. Carrots provide over 400% of your daily needs for vitamin A, are a good source of vitamin K and contain three nutrients - beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin - which are all good for eye health. Olive oil has a monounsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid which is heart-healthy and helps fight free radical damage. Nutritional yeast is loaded with B vitamins and is also a good source of iron, selenium (which helps repair cell damage )and zinc (which aids in tissue repair). Lemons are rich in Vitamin C needed for collagen production that is essential for smooth, healthy skin, are rich in bioflavonoids (which can significantly boost the immune system) and are a good source of B6, thiamin, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and has proven highly effective in reducing the risk of many chronic diseases. Black pepper helps the main potent active ingredient (curcumin) in turmeric to be fully absorbed by the body during digestion.  Cayenne helps digestion and poor circulation and can help prevent ulcers by killing bacteria. 

ENJOY!