Zesty Chickpea and Cannellini Bean Spread
This vibrant and flavorful dip combines the creaminess of chickpeas and cannellini beans with the freshness of cilantro and a kick of heat from hot sauce. Ideal for sharing at parties or as a delectable snack, this spread is versatile enough to be enjoyed with crunchy corn chips, warm pita triangles, or as a luscious topping for toasted baguette slices. Perfect for gatherings or as a quick appetizer, feel free to adjust the seasonings to satisfy your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chickpeas
1 (19 ounce) can (rinsed and drained well)
cannellini beans
1 (19 ounce) can (rinsed and drained well)
green onions
3-4 (trimmed and coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and coarsely chopped)
cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (fresh)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra if needed for texture)
hot sauce
2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
cumin
2 teaspoons (or more to taste)
lime
1/2 (juiced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and draining the chickpeas and cannellini beans thoroughly before adding them to your food processor.
2
Next, add the chopped green onions, garlic cloves, cilantro leaves, olive oil, hot sauce, cumin, and lime juice into the food processor.
3
Seal the food processor and pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
4
If the dip is too thick, gradually add extra olive oil or water, pulsing until well combined, achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
5
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the flavors as desired before transferring to a serving dish.
6
Serve with your choice of corn chips, pita triangles, or spread on baguette slices, topped with Mexican cheese and broiled for an added cheesy finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Chickpea and Cannellini Bean Spread?
It is a vibrant and flavorful dip that combines the creaminess of chickpeas and cannellini beans with cilantro, lime, and a kick of heat from hot sauce.
What are the primary ingredients in this bean spread?
The main ingredients are one 19-ounce can of chickpeas and one 19-ounce can of cannellini beans.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan as it uses beans, olive oil, and vegetables, though optional cheese toppings should be omitted for a vegan diet.
Is this spread gluten-free?
Yes, the spread itself is gluten-free, but ensure you serve it with gluten-free crackers or corn chips.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including beans, aromatics, oil, and seasonings.
What kind of aromatics are included?
The recipe calls for 3-4 trimmed green onions and 2 peeled garlic cloves.
How do I prepare the beans before mixing?
Both the chickpeas and the cannellini beans should be rinsed and drained well before being added to the food processor.
What provides the heat in this dip?
The heat comes from 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of olive oil, with extra if needed for texture.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The spread is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I achieve the desired consistency?
Pulse the mixture in a food processor until it reaches your preferred texture, scraping down the sides as necessary.
What should I do if the dip is too thick?
Gradually add extra olive oil or water and pulse until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
What are the best serving suggestions for this spread?
It can be served with crunchy corn chips, warm pita triangles, or as a topping for toasted baguette slices.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can top baguette slices with the spread and Mexican cheese, then broil them for a cheesy finish.
What type of lime juice is used?
The recipe calls for the juice of half a lime to add a zesty citrus flavor.
Does the recipe use fresh herbs?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves.
How long does it take to process the ingredients?
The ingredients are pulsed in a food processor until the desired consistency is achieved, which usually takes just a few minutes.
Can I adjust the amount of cumin?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of cumin or more depending on your taste preference.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as an ideal appetizer or snack for sharing at gatherings.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
A food processor is recommended for better control over the texture, but a blender can work if used carefully on a pulse setting.
What size cans of beans are required?
The recipe specifies 19-ounce cans for both the chickpeas and the cannellini beans.
How should I prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be trimmed and coarsely chopped before being added to the food processor.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be peeled and coarsely chopped.
Can I use water to thin the dip?
Yes, water is a suggested alternative to olive oil if you need to thin out the consistency.
What type of black pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this dip served hot or cold?
It is typically served at room temperature or chilled, though it can be broiled on bread for a warm snack.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bean dips often develop better flavor if allowed to sit in the refrigerator for a short period before serving.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as an appetizer, spread, snack, and party food.
Are there any specific salt measurements?
Salt is added 'to taste' to allow for individual preference.
What kind of texture does this spread have?
It is designed to be smooth and creamy, though you can pulse it less for a chunkier texture.