Velvety White Bean Dip (Printable)

Smooth white bean dip with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Quick, healthy, and perfect for any gathering.

# What You Need:

→ Beans

01 - 2 cups (15 oz can) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed

→ Aromatics & Seasoning

02 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Additions

07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

# How-To:

01 - In a food processor or blender, combine white beans, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
02 - Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
03 - Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or olive oil as preferred.
04 - For extra flavor, blend in cumin or fresh herbs if desired.
05 - Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with pita, vegetables, or crackers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout, and tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The creamy texture feels indulgent, but it is just beans and good olive oil doing their thing.
  • You can spread it, dip it, or thin it out as a dressing, so one batch works three different ways.
02 -
  • If your dip feels thick or stodgy, add water a tablespoon at a time while blending until it loosens to a swoopy, spreadable consistency.
  • Peeling the beans before blending sounds fussy, but it makes the dip impossibly silky, I only do it when I am trying to impress someone.
  • Taste before you serve, beans can be bland on their own, so do not be shy with the lemon and salt.
03 -
  • Use the best olive oil you have for drizzling on top, that is where you will actually taste it.
  • If you want a restaurant smooth texture, run the food processor longer than you think you need to, a full two minutes makes all the difference.
  • Serve this in a wide, shallow bowl rather than a deep one, it looks more inviting and makes dipping easier.
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