Description
This creamy and flavorful White Bean Dip combines tender cannellini beans with garlic-rosemary infused olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack, it offers a smooth texture and aromatic notes from roasted garlic and rosemary. Simple to prepare in under 30 minutes, this dip is ideal for serving with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
White Bean Dip
- 2 cans Cannellini beans, drained
- 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 7-8 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
- 4-5 sprigs Rosemary sprig
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Rosemary Infused Olive Oil: To infuse the olive oil with rosemary and garlic, you can use either the stovetop or oven method. For stovetop, combine olive oil, rosemary sprigs, and garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Heat on the lowest flame and gently simmer until the garlic cloves turn golden and are evenly roasted. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C), place the olive oil, rosemary, and garlic cloves in an oven-safe bowl with a lid, and bake covered for 20-25 minutes until the garlic appears golden and roasted.
- Drain and Rinse Beans: Thoroughly drain the cannellini beans and rinse them under cold water. Drain again well to remove excess moisture, ensuring the beans aren’t watery for the dip consistency.
- Blend the Dip: In a food processor, add the rinsed cannellini beans, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, about one-quarter of the infused olive oil, 3 to 4 roasted garlic cloves from the infused oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the texture is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to adjust to your desired consistency. Typically, no extra water is needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the smooth bean dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle the reserved infused olive oil over the top and add the remaining roasted garlic cloves. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Notes
- You can choose either stovetop or oven method to make the garlic rosemary infused olive oil, depending on your preference and available equipment.
- Make sure to dry the beans well after rinsing to avoid a watery dip.
- The Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian version if needed.
- This dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container; bring to room temperature before serving.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, adjust the quantity of roasted garlic cloves to taste.
