Description
Ina Garten’s white bean dip combines creamy cannellini beans with zesty garlic and fresh herbs. Rich Mediterranean flavors create a smooth, elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining guests who appreciate simple yet sophisticated culinary experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cannellini beans, cooked and drained
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 2–4 tbsps (30–60 ml) water, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsps torn fresh basil leaves (or other fresh herbs)
Instructions
- Blend Base: Combine cannellini beans, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor, pulsing 5-6 times to create a rustic, textured mixture.
- Adjust Consistency: While processing on low speed, gradually stream in room temperature water until the dip reaches a smooth, velvety texture that spreads effortlessly.
- Herb Infusion: Gently pulse in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil, ensuring an even distribution of aromatic flavors throughout the dip.
- Flavor Refinement: Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, balancing the brightness of lemon, depth of garlic, and herbaceous notes to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Presentation: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, smoothing the surface and garnishing with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and additional chopped herbs for visual appeal.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve alongside crisp vegetable sticks, artisanal pita chips, or rustic crusty bread.
Notes
- Optimize Texture: Pulse beans carefully to maintain a rustic, slightly chunky consistency that highlights the natural bean integrity.
- Temperature Matters: Use room temperature water to create a smoother, more cohesive dip without cooling down the ingredients.
- Herb Balance: Add fresh herbs sparingly, pulsing just 2-3 times to distribute evenly without overwhelming the delicate bean flavor.
- Serving Pro Tip: Chill the dip briefly to allow flavors to develop and meld, enhancing the overall taste and creating a more refined appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg