Creamy White Bean Dip (Print Version)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 2 cups 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
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 Make It:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under ten minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • The creamy texture rivals store-bought dips, but you control the salt, lemon, and garlic to suit your taste.
  • It works as a dip, a spread, or even a salad dressing base, making it surprisingly versatile.
02 -
  • Rinsing the beans thoroughly is non-negotiable, or you'll end up with a gluey texture that no amount of olive oil can fix.
  • Tasting as you go is the secret to a dip that feels custom-made, because canned beans and lemons vary in saltiness and tartness every time.
03 -
  • For an ultra-smooth texture, take the extra minute to slip the skins off the beans before blending.
  • A tablespoon of tahini stirred in at the end adds richness and a subtle sesame flavor that makes people think you did something fancy.
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