1. Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. In batches, stir in the spinach, wilting each batch before adding more. Sprinkle the spinach with 1 tablespoon water, cover, and cook until the spinach is tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, rinse, and cool. A handful at a time, squeeze the excess liquid from the spinach. Chop coarsely.

2. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and red pepper and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Cool completely.

3. Combine the spinach, cooled vegetables, sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, and cayenne in a food processor and process until blended. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and cover tightly. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.

4. Serve chilled.

Classic Spinach Dip: Mix one-ounce container sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, one 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove excess moisture, 3 chopped scallions (white and green parts), and one l.4-ounce envelope Knorr Vegetable Soup, Dip, and Recipe Mix. Cover and chill. Makes 3 cups.

Diane’s Deluxe Spinach Dip: Mix one 16-ounce container sour cream, 2 cups mayonnaise, one 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove excess moisture, ½ cup chopped scallions, ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, ½ cup chopped fresh dill, one l.4-ounce package Knorr Vegetable Soup, Dip, and Recipe Mix, and 1 tablespoon cheese-based salad seasoning (such as Salad Supreme). Cover and chill. Makes 5½ cups.