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Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

This Tuscan White Bean Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer blending garlic, thyme, and lemon with cannellini beans. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for serving with crackers, fresh veggies, or bread as a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired snack.

Ingredients

For the Dip

  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided (1 tbsp for the pan, 3 tbsp for finishing)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 2 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (reserve liquid)
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: Gently heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened but not browned.
  2. Add Herbs and Beans: Stir in the chopped thyme, lemon zest, and most of the cannellini beans, reserving about 1/4 cup of beans separately. Continue to sauté on low heat for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is very soft and aromatic.
  3. Puree Ingredients: Transfer the garlic, herb, and bean mixture to a blender or food processor. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and about 1/4 cup of the reserved bean liquid. Blend until smooth, adding more bean liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.
  4. Season and Adjust: Taste the dip and season with kosher salt and black pepper to your preference. If you want a stronger lemon flavor, add the second tablespoon of lemon juice and blend briefly again.
  5. Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Top with the reserved cannellini beans, fresh chopped parsley, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil. Serve with crackers, vegetable crudités, or slices of fresh bread.

Notes

  • For a smoother dip, use an immersion blender directly in the pan after sautéing.
  • Use fresh herbs when possible for a brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well if needed.
  • To make it vegan, ensure the serving accompaniments are plant-based.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dip also makes an excellent spread for sandwiches or wraps.