Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil or Canola Oil
  • 1/2 cup Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 1 small Jalapeño Pepper, seeded & minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (or cornstarch)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 12 fl oz Low-Fat Evaporated Milk (or 1%)
  • 1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes, fire-roasted (drained)
  • 4 oz can Diced Green Chilies (do not drain)
  • Salt, To taste
  • Black Pepper, To taste
  • 6 oz Sharp Cheddar, freshly grated (low-fat variety)
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack, freshly grated (low-fat variety)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil in the heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not allow the garlic to brown.
  3. Sprinkle the flour, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika over the vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly (creating a dry roux), for 1 minute. This cooks out the raw flavour of the flour and blooms the spices.
  4. Slowly pour the evaporated milk into the saucepan while continuously whisking. Start with a small amount until a thick paste forms, then gradually add the rest of the milk.
  5. Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens significantly, coating the back of a spoon (about 4–6 minutes).
  6. Stir in the drained fire-roasted tomatoes and the can of diced green chilies. Season with salt and pepper. Maintain a low simmer for another 2 minutes.
  7. Crucially, remove the saucepan completely from the heat source. If the sauce is boiling or too hot, the low-fat cheese may seize or become grainy.
  8. Add the grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, a small handful at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Continue until all cheese is incorporated and the dip is silky.
  9. If the dip is too thick, stir in a splash more evaporated milk (or water) until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Transfer immediately to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker on the Keep Warm setting.