Just a simple can of beans.

This recipe is also known as White Bean Dip. However, I prefer to use a more literal name for this recipe. This Cannellini Bean Dip recipe uses a tin of cannellini beans as the star of this recipe. You honestly can’t get easier than this! Plus it’s creamy, delicious and inexpensive so perfect if you’re trying to save a dollar or two.

I really didn’t know much about this type of bean. I remember once watching the Food Network and saw Giada De Laurentiis make some Italian meal using them. Honestly, I can’t remember the recipe she made, only that it contained these beans in it. At the time I remember thinking that I’ve never heard of these types of beans before. However, I learnt they are commonly available.

What’s a cannellini bean?

Cannellini beans are known by a couple other names. Maybe you’re more familiar with these – white kidney beans, fazolia or Italian kidney beans. They are a fairly large bean and have a nuttier, more earthy flavour. Cannellini beans are also fat-free and an excellent source of iron, folate and magnesium so you could say they are good for you.

You can buy a can of these beans from any supermarket. Find them in the same area where they well They are really inexpensive to buy. That’s why it’s great to have a can of this your pantry to whip up when unexpected visitors pop over. What I love about this cannellini bean dip recipe is that other than a can of these beans, the other ingredients are regular items you’re likely to have in your kitchen. Somes the simplest of recipes are the best ones.

Did you know…

Cannellini beans are like their red kidney bean cousins and have high levels of a specific toxin called Phytohaemagglutinin (also known as kidney bean lectin) when raw. Tinned beans are safe – they are cooked and ready to eat. If you are using dried beans, you must rid them of toxins – first you need to pre-soak, then boil them for 30 minutes.

Cannellini Bean Dip

Cannellini bean dip uses simple ingredients to make this quick and tasty gluten-free dip that is perfect for when unexpected guests drop over for a visit. The main ingredient is a can of beans that is inexpensive and found in your local supermarket.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

 

• 400 g cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons oilive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

• Place remaining beans, lemon zest, juice, oil and garlic in a food processor. Process until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer mixture to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with extra oil and freshly chopped parsley to serve.

Notes

Topping ideas to decorate your dip:

• a little finely chopped parsley
• a little paprika for colour
• reserve a tablespoonful of beans before blending them
• a tablespoonful of toasted pinenuts