Creamy White Bean and Roasted Garlic Dip
This Creamy White Bean and Roasted Garlic Dip combines the earthy flavors of butter beans with the rich, sweet notes of roasted garlic. Perfect for gatherings, this dip is healthy, comforting, and simple to make. Simply blend the ingredients for a smooth, velvety texture, and enjoy it with your favorite dippers, such as wholemeal pita bread, fresh vegetables, or olives. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a nutritious snack option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter Beans
2 (cans (400 g each) drained)
Garlic
1 (clove, chopped or roasted)
Tahini
2 (tablespoons)
Lemon Juice
3 (tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
Water
3 (tablespoons)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Cumin Seeds
1 (pinch)
Paprika
1 (pinch)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast a whole head of garlic wrapped in foil for about 30-35 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Let it cool.
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the drained butter beans, the roasted garlic (squeezed from the skins), tahini, fresh lemon juice, and water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Taste the mixture and season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Add a pinch of cumin seeds and paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
4
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional cumin seeds and a tiny pinch of ground paprika on top.
5
Serve with toasted wholemeal pita bread, crunchy fresh vegetables, or olives, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy White Bean and Roasted Garlic Dip?
It is a smooth, velvety dip made from blended butter beans, roasted garlic, tahini, and lemon juice.
Is this dip vegan?
Yes, all ingredients including butter beans, tahini, and spices are plant-based.
How do I roast the garlic?
Wrap a whole head of garlic in foil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until soft.
Can I use other beans instead of butter beans?
Yes, you can substitute with cannellini beans or navy beans for a similar creamy texture.
How long does it take to roast garlic?
It typically takes between 30 to 35 minutes in a preheated oven.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but ensure you serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
Can I make this dip without tahini?
You can omit it or substitute it with cashew butter or a little olive oil, though the flavor will change.
How should I serve this dip?
It pairs perfectly with toasted wholemeal pita bread, fresh vegetables, or olives.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the dip last in the fridge?
It typically stays fresh for 3 to 5 days when stored properly.
Can I freeze white bean dip?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture might change slightly upon thawing.
What if the dip is too thick?
You can add an extra tablespoon of water or lemon juice at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
What if the dip is too thin?
You can add more beans or a bit more tahini to help thicken the mixture.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is high in fiber and protein from the beans and contains healthy fats from the tahini.
Can I use raw garlic instead of roasted?
You can, but use much less (1-2 cloves) as raw garlic is much sharper and more pungent than roasted garlic.
Can I add olive oil?
While not in the base recipe, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top is a great addition.
What are butter beans?
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are large, creamy white beans with a mild flavor.
Do I need a food processor?
A food processor or a high-speed blender is recommended to achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together even better.
How many cans of beans are needed?
This recipe calls for two 400g cans of drained butter beans.
Is this dip spicy?
No, it is savory and earthy, though the paprika adds a tiny bit of warmth.
What toppings can I add?
You can top it with extra cumin seeds, paprika, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of oil.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked dried beans; you will need about 3 to 4 cups of cooked beans.
What temperature should the oven be for the garlic?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Does this dip contain cholesterol?
Since it is plant-based, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild, creamy flavor of beans and sweet roasted garlic is usually well-liked by children.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Fresh parsley, cilantro, or rosemary would make excellent additions to the blend.
Is it suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it features classic Mediterranean ingredients like beans, garlic, lemon, and tahini.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just ensure your food processor is large enough to handle the increased volume.