Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

$To make roasted garlic white bean dip, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked cannellini beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed) - 1 whole head of garlic - 2 tablespoons tahini - 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil, plus extra for drizzling - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish You can customize your dip with these optional ingredients: - Fresh vegetables for dipping, like carrots or cucumber - Pita chips for a crunchy side - Crusty bread for a heartier option If you want a nutty flavor, you can swap tahini for almond butter. When selecting ingredients, choose high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Look for fresh garlic heads that feel firm and heavy. If you use canned beans, check the labels for low sodium options. Fresh herbs should be vibrant and fragrant. Always taste as you go to ensure your dip has the right balance. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting garlic. Next, take a whole head of garlic. Slice off the top about 1/4 inch. This exposes the cloves and helps them roast well. Drizzle a little olive oil on the cut surface. This adds great flavor. Then, wrap the garlic tightly in aluminum foil. This keeps it moist while it roasts. Now, place the wrapped garlic on a baking sheet. Put it in your preheated oven. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes. The garlic is ready when it feels soft and smells sweet. You can easily squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins. The golden color shows it’s done just right. While the garlic roasts, it’s time to prepare the dip. In a food processor, add two cups of cooked cannellini beans. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them first. Then, add two tablespoons of tahini and two tablespoons of olive oil. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Add one teaspoon of ground cumin, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Blend these ingredients until they mix well. Once the garlic is roasted, unwrap it and let it cool for a minute. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves into the food processor. Discard the skins. Blend everything until it is smooth. If the dip is too thick, add a bit of water or more olive oil. Blend again to reach your perfect creamy texture. Taste your dip and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the dip into a bowl and drizzle olive oil on top for extra richness. Finally, sprinkle fresh herbs over the dip for a colorful finish. Enjoy it with fresh veggies, pita chips, or crusty bread! Roasting garlic brings out its sweet, rich flavor. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the whole head of garlic, about 1/4 inch. This exposes the cloves inside. Drizzle some olive oil over the cut side. Wrap the garlic tightly in foil to keep it moist. Roast it for 30 to 35 minutes. The garlic is ready when the cloves feel soft. You can squeeze them right out of their skins. To boost the dip's taste, try adding spices. Ground cumin adds warmth, while lemon juice gives brightness. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add color and freshness. You can even mix in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Experiment with flavors until you find the perfect balance. After blending your dip, check the texture. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil. Blend again until smooth. Taste it to ensure it’s just right. You might want to add more sea salt, black pepper, or lemon juice. Adjust these elements to fit your taste. This way, you create a dip that’s creamy and flavorful, perfect for sharing. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Garlic: Select a head of garlic that feels firm and has tight, unblemished skin. Fresh garlic will yield the best flavor for your dip. Adjust Consistency Wisely: If the dip is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired creaminess, but be cautious not to make it too runny. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or chives for varied flavor profiles that complement the dip beautifully. Make Ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to allow the flavors to meld even more. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your dip by adding spices or herbs. Try adding paprika for a smoky taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. For a fresh twist, mix in herbs like dill or basil. These flavors can brighten the dip and make it unique. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite mix! This dip is naturally dairy-free and vegan. The tahini adds creaminess without any dairy. If you want to boost the flavor, consider adding nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy taste without any animal products. This makes the dip perfect for everyone, whether they follow a vegan diet or not. You can serve this dip in many fun ways. Pair it with fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Pita chips and crusty bread are also great options. For a more filling meal, spread the dip on sandwiches or wraps. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes. The ways to enjoy this dip are endless! Once you finish your dip, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dip fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to seal it tightly to prevent air from getting in. If it thickens in the fridge, just add a bit of olive oil or water when you serve it again. You can freeze this dip for later use. Just scoop the dip into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the dip will expand. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Mix it well before serving. To reheat the dip, warm it gently in a small pot over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it. Just heat in short intervals, stirring in between. If it’s too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to get that creamy texture back. Enjoy it warm! Yes, you can use canned beans. Just rinse and drain the beans first. This saves time. Canned cannellini beans work best for this dip. They are soft and creamy. Using canned beans gives you a quick start. However, always check for added salt in canned beans. The dip lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Before serving, give it a quick stir. If it thickens, add a little olive oil or water. This helps restore its creamy texture. You can serve this dip with many tasty options. Here are some ideas: - Fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers - Crispy pita chips - Slices of crusty bread - Crackers or toast points - Fresh herbs for garnish These pairings add flavor and texture to your dip. Enjoy mixing and matching! In this post, we covered how to make a tasty roasted garlic white bean dip. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. This dip is easy to customize. Whether you add herbs or try vegan options, the dip will shine. Enjoy making it for your next gathering or snack! Your guests will love the flavors.$

A creamy and flavorful dip made with roasted garlic and white beans, perfect for serving with fresh vegetables or pita chips.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked cannellini beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
1 whole head garlic
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
to taste fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for vibrant garnish
optional fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crusty bread for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
Prepare the Garlic: Take the entire head of garlic and carefully slice off the top approximately 1/4 inch, making sure to expose the many individual cloves. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil generously over the cut surface to enhance the flavor, then wrap the garlic tightly in aluminum foil to keep it moist while roasting.
Roast the Garlic: Place the wrapped garlic on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily squeeze the garlic out of its skin.
Blend the Dip: While the garlic is roasting, prepare the white bean dip. In a food processor, combine the cooked cannellini beans, tahini, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, and a pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper.
Incorporate the Garlic: Once the garlic is finished roasting, carefully unwrap it and allow it to cool for a minute. Squeeze the soft, roasted cloves from their skins into the food processor, discarding the skins.
Achieve Creamy Consistency: Blend all ingredients in the food processor until completely smooth. If the dip appears too thick, add a little water or an extra drizzle of olive oil, continuing to blend until you achieve your desired creamy texture.
Taste and Adjust: After blending, taste your dip and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired to balance the flavors.
Serve the Dip: Spoon the delicious dip into a serving bowl and create a lovely drizzle of olive oil on the surface for an added touch of richness.
Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the dip for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables, crispy pita chips, or slices of crusty bread alongside for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with your favorite dippers.

Keyword appetizer, beans, dip, garlic, vegan