Savory Bean and Ham Dip with Garlic & Rosemary Infusion
Dive into the rich flavors of this savory Bean and Ham Dip, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh rosemary. Perfectly crafted to tantalize your taste buds, this creamy dip is an ideal accompaniment for thick-cut potato chips or toasted baguette slices. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy lunch, this dip is sure to delight your guests and elevate your snack time with its delightful richness and depth. Experience the taste of homemade goodness in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
4 (peeled)
Fresh rosemary
2 sprigs (leaves removed and coarsely chopped)
Red onion
1/2 (coarsely chopped)
Smoked ham
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Cannellini or navy beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
Coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for blending)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the garlic cloves, fresh rosemary leaves, red onion, smoked ham, and optional red pepper flakes into your food processor.
2
Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are finely chopped and well combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
3
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini or navy beans into the food processor, followed by the coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
With the motor running, gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. This should take about 1 minute.
5
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
6
Serve immediately with thick potato chips, pita chips, or toasted slices of baguette for a delicious snack experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Savory Bean and Ham Dip?
The dip features a rich, savory profile with prominent notes of garlic and fresh rosemary, balanced by the saltiness of smoked ham and the creaminess of cannellini or navy beans.
What kind of beans are best for this recipe?
Cannellini or navy beans are ideal because of their creamy texture and mild flavor, which allows the garlic and rosemary to stand out.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
No, this specific recipe contains 1/2 cup of smoked ham. To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the ham or use a plant-based substitute.
How should I prepare the garlic for the dip?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the food processor; no pre-chopping is required as the processor handles that.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Fresh rosemary is recommended for the best flavor infusion, but if you must use dried, use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, drizzled in gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
What equipment do I need to make this dip?
A food processor is the main tool needed to ensure the ingredients are finely chopped and the beans are blended to a smooth consistency.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It pairs perfectly with thick-cut potato chips, pita chips, or toasted slices of baguette.
Do I need to cook the red onion first?
No, the red onion is added raw to the food processor and pulsed with other ingredients for a fresh, sharp flavor.
Is this dip served hot or cold?
This dip is typically served at room temperature immediately after blending or slightly chilled.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
You can add or increase the amount of red pepper flakes to add a touch of heat to the savory base.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a high-powered blender can work, though you may need to stop and scrape the sides more frequently than with a food processor.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 5 to 10 minutes, as it mainly involves pulsing ingredients in a processor.
Should the beans be drained before use?
Yes, the beans should be both drained and rinsed thoroughly before being added to the mixture.
Can I make this dip in advance?
Yes, making it a few hours ahead can actually help the garlic and rosemary flavors meld together more deeply.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the bean puree and olive oil emulsion may separate or become grainy upon thawing.
What can I use instead of smoked ham?
Smoked turkey or even a small amount of liquid smoke with extra beans can provide a similar smoky profile if ham is unavailable.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip ingredients themselves are gluten-free, but ensure your ham is certified gluten-free and serve with gluten-free crackers or chips.
How do I fix the dip if it is too thick?
If the dip is too thick, gradually add a teaspoon of water or additional olive oil while the processor is running until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Coarse salt is recommended to enhance the savory notes and provide a better flavor balance.
Can I use white kidney beans?
Yes, Cannellini beans are actually a type of white kidney bean and work perfectly in this recipe.
Do I need to remove the rosemary stems?
Yes, the leaves should be removed from the woody stems and coarsely chopped before being added to the processor.
Can I add cheese to this dip?
While not in the original recipe, a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can add extra depth and saltiness.
How many cans of beans are needed?
The recipe requires two 15-ounce cans of cannellini or navy beans.
Can I substitute the red onion?
Yes, shallots provide a milder alternative, or yellow onion can be used for a stronger bite.
Is it better to use freshly ground black pepper?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper provides a more vibrant and aromatic spice than pre-ground pepper.
What if I don't have extra virgin olive oil?
You can use a neutral oil like avocado oil or light olive oil, though you will lose the specific fruity flavor of the extra virgin variety.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your food processor is large enough to handle four cans of beans and the additional ingredients.
What makes this dip creamy without dairy?
The combination of the naturally starchy beans and the emulsion of olive oil creates a smooth, creamy texture without needing cream or cheese.