This Cannellini Bean Dip is my go-to appetiser when I want something that’s quickly and easily prepared.
My inspiration for this simple recipe came from a holiday in Italy. Some years ago Faye and I stayed for four days in the beautiful Umbrian hill town of Assisi. We ate at a delightful restaurant on several occasions and each time enjoyed their white bean and parmesan crostini. We brought home with us the idea for this simple appetiser. It is easy to prepare, is very tasty and I always have the ingredients on hand; olive oil, garlic, canned cannellini beans and parmesan being store cupboard staples.
Simply whiz the drained cannellini beans, garlic and olive oil together in a small food processor, and season to taste. Make some oven baked crostini and top with the cannellini bean paste and shaved parmesan, or serve with celery and carrot sticks. It is quick, simple and delicious.
With such few ingredients, it is, of course, important, that for the best flavour, they be good quality. I like to use extra virgin olive oil, Maldon sea salt flakes and good quality parmesan, Italian Grana Padano* or Parmigiano Reggiano.
One of the benefits of making your own crostini is that it’s not essential that the bread be fresh, so if you have some leftover baguette (not one that’s very dry) it’s an ideal way to prevent wastage. In addition, the home baked version is infinitely preferable to the store bought as they are often oily and salty. The baked crostini can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
Of course, if you would prefer to serve this dip with a gluten-free option, try my Seed Crackers.
I do hope you enjoy this souvenir from Assisi as much as we do.
Xx Alex and Faye
P.S. For more delicious dip recipes, have a look at these ideas:
- Whipped Feta
- Simple and Delicious Tuna Dip
- Roasted Capsicum Pesto
- Green Goddess Dip
- Easy Hummus
- Caramelised Onion Dip
- The Best Baba Ganoush
- Avocado, Yoghurt and Mint Dip
- Roasted Carrot Hummus
- Cannellini Bean Dip
- Smoked Salmon Pate
Cannellini Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 400 g cannellini beans
- 1 small clove of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- sea salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Drain beans in a colander and rinse with running water. Drain well.
- Place beans, garlic, and olive oil into a small food processor. Whiz to process.Add salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper to taste.Check that the paste is the consistency you require; add more oil if necessary.
- Serve in a nice bowl with crudites (celery, carrot and radish are my favourites) or with toasted bread and parmesan shavings.
Notes
Nutrition
This sounds so yummy. So easy to make too!
Thank you Bindu, it is very easy to make and is a healthy snack. 🙂
An easy recipe and so versatile as it can be served with crackers, veggie sticks, pita chips etc. A great alternate to hummus.
Thank you Mayuri; it is very versatile and makes a healthy snack. 🙂
I just tried it, and my partner loved it.
Pretty awesome.
Thank you for letting me know Samar. I am so glad that you enjoyed it. 🙂
This actually looks and sounds really good! Next time we have friends over for game night, I will have to make this!
That’s great Ashley, I love that I can make this dip quickly from store cupboard ingredients. 🙂
This Cannellini Bean Dip looks yum and healthy. The best part is it is quick to make and I’d love to give it a try!
Hi Ana, it is quickly and easily made using store cupboard ingredients. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
I am thinking of what dip should I bring on our picnic and then I saw this. Might as well do this instead!
It’s ideal for a picnic; I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
I’m so amazed by people who can just whip up recipes like this from inspiration. It really does look delicious!
Thank you, Jules, for the lovely comment, I do appreciate it. 🙂
Looks delicious and easy to make! I am not big into dips so this one might actually get into my table.
It’s so easily made from store cupboard ingredients. Please let me know if you try it. 🙂
This looks all kinds of amazing! I can’t wait to give it a go on our next family gathering! Do you have any other dips I could add to my platter?
I am so pleased that you will try it Fran. We have a number of dips – you can find several of them by clicking here.
I think I can make this.. I have already tried many dip recipes but failed.. thanks for sharing
You can do it! 🙂 Let me know how you go!
Looks deeeeelish
Thank you!
Not that fancy on beans expect the sweetened beans.. But your photo looks really smooth. I think I can take some of this. Grats!
Thank you Michael. Maybe this recipe will win you over? 😉
Loooks yumm…and easy to make! will definitely try!
I am happy to hear that, enjoy! 🙂
Bean dips are my favorites, especially if they are easy to make and tasty. I will be making it very soon.
It’s such an easy dip. I make it often as the beans are a store cupboard staple. 🙂
Recently moved to a new house and we started cooking so this is perfect. I cant thank you enough. Delicious!
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy the dip Nelly. 🙂