Savor the flavors of this incredibly tasty and healthy white bean dip with herbs. This creamy, rich, and aromatic dip is a perfect appetizer for any gathering, offering a unique blend of cannellini beans infused with fragrant garlic and herbs. It's simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.
One of the main ingredients in this recipe is cannellini beans, a variety of white beans popular in Italian cuisine. They're known for their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor, making them perfect for this dip. They are easily found in any supermarket, usually canned. The herbs used are sage and rosemary, pantry staples that can add a wonderful depth of flavor to many dishes.
White Bean Dip with Herbs Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil: A healthy fat used for cooking the garlic and herbs, and adds a nice depth of flavor to the dip.
Garlic cloves: Adds a robust flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the creamy white beans.
Sage: An aromatic herb that infuses the dip with a earthy, minty flavor.
Rosemary: This herb adds a pine-like fragrance and a savory note to the dip.
Cannellini beans: The star ingredient of this recipe, providing a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor.
Water:Used to adjust the consistency of the dip.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a hint of heat to the dip, balancing the creaminess of the beans.
Pita chips: The perfect crunchy accompaniment to this creamy dip.
One reader, Ikey Kilpatrick says:
This white bean dip with herbs recipe is a game-changer! The blend of sage and rosemary gives it a delightful flavor. The texture is smooth and creamy, and it pairs perfectly with pita chips. It's a hit at parties and a go-to snack for me. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Perfecting White Bean Dip With Herbs
How to prepare the white bean dip: This involves cooking the garlic, sage, and rosemary in olive oil until fragrant, then adding the beans and tossing to coat before pureeing in a food processor with water, salt, and cayenne.
How to serve the white bean dip: The dip should be transferred to a small serving bowl, drizzled with olive oil, and served with pita chips.
How To Make White Bean Dip with Herbs
A quick white bean dip that takes your snacks to a different level! Cannellini beans, garlic, and herbs are pan-fried and pureed for a herby dip.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupextra virgin olive oil,plus 2 tbsp for drizzling
- 3garlic cloves
- 1tspsage,finely chopped
- ½tsprosemary,finely chopped
- 19ozcannellini beans,(2 cans)
- 2tbspwater
- salt,to taste
- cayenne pepper,to taste
- pita chips
Instructions
-
In a medium skillet, heat ¼ cup of the olive oil until shimmering.
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Add the garlic, sage, and rosemary and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant and the garlic is just beginning to brown. Add the beans and toss to coat.
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Transfer the cannellini beans to a food processor. Add the water, season with salt and cayenne, and process to a fairly smooth puree.
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Transfer the dip to a small serving bowl, drizzle the remaining olive oil on top and serve with pita chips. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 764.43kcal
- Fat: 19.66g
- Saturated Fat: 2.95g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.28g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.57g
- Carbohydrates: 109.77g
- Fiber: 27.73g
- Sugar: 3.83g
- Protein: 42.23g
- Sodium: 491.63mg
- Calcium: 452.16mg
- Potassium: 3245.46mg
- Iron: 19.16mg
- Vitamin A: 2.79µg
- Vitamin C: 1.25mg
Pro Tip for Enhancing White Bean Dip With Herbs
When processing the cannellini beans into a puree, it's important to achieve the right consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture. This will ensure your white bean dip is creamy and easy to spread on your pita chips.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing White Bean Dip With Herbs
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient future meals.
Efficient tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep and cooking.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Substitute Ingredients For White Bean Dip with Herbs Recipe
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a milder flavor and easy incorporation into the dip.
sage - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for sage, offering a slightly different herbaceous flavor that complements the white bean dip.
rosemary - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram can be used as a substitute for rosemary, providing a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor to enhance the dip.
cannellini beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans can be used as a substitute for cannellini beans, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor for the dip.
pita chips - Substitute with vegetable sticks: Vegetable sticks, such as carrot or cucumber sticks, can be used as a healthier alternative to pita chips for dipping into the white bean dip.
Creative Ways to Serve Bean Dip With Herbs
Elevate the plating: When presenting the white bean dip, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a small, delicate serving bowl or plate to showcase the dip beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the white bean dip with freshly picked herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives. The vibrant green colors will provide a pop of freshness and elevate the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider serving the dip with a variety of pita chips to add texture and visual interest to the dish. Choose different shapes and sizes to create an enticing display.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the pita chips in a symmetrical pattern around the dip, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation that will impress the discerning palates of the culinary professionals.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the serving platter to draw attention to the main elements. Allow the white bean dip and garnishes to stand out by strategically arranging them amidst the empty space on the plate.
Consider color contrast: When selecting the serving dish, opt for a neutral or contrasting color that will make the white bean dip and garnishes visually pop, adding an element of sophistication to the presentation.
Precision in drizzling: When drizzling the remaining olive oil on top of the dip, exercise precision and finesse to create an artful design. The delicate drizzle should enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to every detail of the presentation, ensuring that each component is meticulously placed to reflect the high standards of a Michelin-starred culinary creation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Herb-Infused Bean Dip
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It typically has low sides and a long handle for easy maneuvering.
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making dips, spreads, and sauces.
- Small serving bowl: A small serving bowl is used to present and serve small portions of dips, sauces, or condiments. It's ideal for individual servings or for serving alongside appetizers.
Storing and Freezing Homemade White Bean Dip
- Let the white bean dip cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you want to freeze the dip, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when it was made.
- The white bean dip can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, give the dip a good stir to redistribute any separated olive oil or ingredients. If the consistency seems a bit thin, you can add a little more olive oil or cannellini beans to thicken it up.
- Serve the thawed and stirred white bean dip with fresh pita chips, vegetables, or your favorite dippers. Enjoy the delicious, creamy flavors of this homemade dip!
How To Reheat Leftover Bean Dip
Reheat the white bean dip in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is quick and easy, but be careful not to overheat the dip, as it may cause the olive oil to separate.
For a more even reheating, place the white bean dip in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent scorching and ensure that the dip heats through evenly. This method may take a bit longer, but it allows you to control the temperature more precisely.
If the white bean dip has thickened after refrigeration, add a small amount of water, olive oil, or lemon juice to help loosen it up and restore its original consistency. Start with a teaspoon at a time and adjust as needed.
For a unique twist, spread the leftover white bean dip on a baking dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top, and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This creates a delicious and crispy topping that complements the creamy dip.
Consider using the leftover white bean dip as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or turkey, adding a flavorful and protein-packed punch to your lunchtime favorites.
Surprising Fact About White Bean Dip With Herbs
Cannellini beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to this white bean dip with herbs recipe.
Is Making Bean Dip With Herbs Budget-Friendly?
This white bean dip with herbs recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as cannellini beans and olive oil, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of herbs and garlic enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. This flavorful dip is versatile and can be used as a spread or a dip, making it a valuable addition to any household. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10.
Is White Bean Dip With Herbs Healthy?
This white bean dip recipe is a relatively healthy option, thanks to the nutritious ingredients it contains. Here's a breakdown of the health aspects:
- Cannellini beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, which can support digestive health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- Garlic and herbs like sage and rosemary offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can boost the immune system and provide additional flavor without the need for excessive salt.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe to lower the overall calorie and fat content. You can achieve a creamy texture by increasing the water or using a small amount of Greek yogurt.
- Be mindful of the salt content, as excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Serve the dip with a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber slices in addition to or instead of pita chips to increase the nutrient density and reduce the intake of processed carbohydrates.
- Consider adding other nutrient-dense ingredients to the dip, such as:
- Roasted red peppers for a boost of vitamin C and natural sweetness
- Lemon juice for brightness and vitamin C
- Tahini for additional healthy fats, protein, and a creamy texture
By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of this white bean dip while still enjoying its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
Editor's Take: Thoughts on This Herbed White Bean Dip
The white bean dip with herbs recipe is a delightful and flavorful appetizer. The combination of garlic, sage, and rosemary infuses the dip with aromatic and earthy notes, while the cannellini beans provide a creamy texture. The addition of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, balancing the flavors perfectly. This dip is versatile and pairs wonderfully with pita chips, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or as a tasty snack. Overall, it's a simple yet impressive dish that will surely please your guests.
Enhance Your White Bean Dip with Herbs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Bean Dip
Why trust this White Bean Dip with Herbs Recipe:
This recipe uses extra virgin olive oil to infuse rich, savory flavors, while the combination of sage and rosemary adds a fragrant and earthy aroma. The use of cannellini beans provides a creamy and smooth texture, and the addition of garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor. The touch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, and the drizzle of olive oil on top adds a luxurious finish. This dip is perfect for entertaining or as a delicious snack, making it a trustworthy and delightful addition to any gathering.
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