Hot and Spicy Artichoke Spinach Dip

1 tablespoon olive oil

1½ cups finely chopped yellow onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 can (13.75 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained

1 box (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

4 ounces Neufchâtel (low-fat cream cheese)

½ cup low-fat sour cream

2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise

1 ounce freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about ¾ cup grated using a wand-style grater)

½ cup medium chopped mild Peppadew peppers (about 2 ounces), or medium chopped roasted red peppers

½-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

Kosher salt

Crackers or low-fat pita crisps, to serve

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

In a medium skillet over medium-low, heat the oil. Add the onion and saute, covered, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Uncover the pan and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown, about another 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

In a food processor, pulse the artichokes until they are medium chopped, then transfer them to the skillet.

In the food processor combine the spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano, then process until mixed. Add the mixture to the skillet, along with the peppers and pepper flakes. Stir well, then season with salt.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake on the oven's middle shelf for 15-20 minutes, or until it is bubbling at the edges. Serve immediately with pretzel crisps, crackers or low fat pita crisps.

Makes about 4 cups.

Nutrition values per ½ cup: 150 calories, 9 g fat (4 g saturated), 13 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 7 g protein, 20 mg cholesterol, 540 mg sodium.

Sara Moulton for The Associated Press