Cannellini Bean Dip

Cannelini Bean Dip
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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:

5 from 29 votes
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Cannellini Bean Dip

This simple appetiser, inspired by a visit to Italy, is quickly and easily prepared.

Course Appetizer, Nibbles, Starter
Cuisine Italian
Keyword cannellini beans, delicious, dip, easy, gluten free, simple, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 89 kcal
Author Alexandra

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

  1. Drain beans in a colander and rinse with running water. Drain well.

  2. 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.

  3. Serve in a nice bowl with crudites (celery, carrot and radish are my favourites) or with toasted bread and parmesan shavings.

Recipe Notes

*I use a small clove of garlic as I find that raw garlic can be too pungent. If you like a lot, use a larger clove.

*Maldon Salt is a completely natural product; it is free of artificial additives, comes in thin flakes and has a mild, almost sweet flavour. It is ideal to use as a “finishing salt,” sprinkle a few flakes over a dish prior to serving. Try a sprinkle on a slice of ripe tomato to appreciate its flavour.

* If serving as a dip with crudites, drizzle the top with olive oil and, if you like a little spice, sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper. (optional)

* This recipe is vegan if you are not using the Parmesan cheese. 

Nutrition Facts
Cannellini Bean Dip
Amount Per Serving
Calories 89 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Sodium 143mg6%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 1.4mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Cannellini Bean Dip
Cannellini Bean Dip - It's Not Complicated Recipes #dip #bean #cannellini #sides #partyfood #vegetarian #glutenfree #vegan
Cannellini Bean Dip - It's Not Complicated Recipes #dip #bean #cannellini #sides #partyfood #vegetarian #glutenfree #vegan

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About the Author

Alexandra

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I'm Alex – a passionate foodie and writer. I love sharing delicious and simple recipes to inspire you in the kitchen. Try a recipe? I'd love to see your creations! #itsnotcomplicatedrecipes

145 Comments on “Cannellini Bean Dip”

  8. Reply

    Ahh love that you use Maldon salt!! That’s where I live. This recipe sounds so delicious. I’ll definitely be giving it a try xx

  9. Reply

    Ooh yum! I love cannellini beans, but never would have thought to take a dip out of them! Will definitely be trying this!

  10. Reply

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious! I have tried this soup before or even anything close so I would be super happy to try it myself soon

  13. Reply

    I am not typically a fan of bean dip but this recipe look so easy that it makes me want to try it. I think it would be great for a holiday potluck.

  14. Reply

    5 stars
    I don’t like beans but I remember having this dip during my trip to Malta and it wasn’t that bad actually. I would eat it again.

  15. Reply

    5 stars
    We love dips around here but haven’t tried this one before. I’d like to recreate it for game day. It sounds delicious.

  18. Reply

    i’m a big dip person, but never usually bean dip. I’d give this a try though, sounds yummy

  20. Reply

    5 stars
    I love dips but not tried cannellini beans before so looking forward to giving this recipe a go

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  22. Reply

    Oh, I am badly craving for this! This is so good, this will be a huge hit! This would disappear in no time at our house!

  25. Reply

    5 stars
    I’ve got a tin of these in my pantry – I am definitely going to make this recipe soon! Love the sound of it!

  27. Reply

    5 stars
    I have never tried to make this but this Cannellini Bean Dip recipe looks really good and tasty, I will def try this for my sister as she loves to have a dip in her every meal.

  30. Reply

    This is a really easy recipe. I think I will try this. It is even easy to remember. I hope it is as good as it looks.

  31. Reply

    Wow! This looks really easy! I can’t wait to try it! Bean dip is a favorite at our house…it would be nice to make it ourselves so we know exactly what is in it!

  32. Reply

    5 stars
    Who doesn’t love a souvenir you can eat 🙂 This is a simple and tasty dip that’s perfect for snack time!

  33. Reply

    How cool! An authentic dish recreated after your travels. I love it! Looks SO good – similar to hummus – but so much better!!! 😉

  37. Reply

    I have never tried this it looks like a great dip to serve at parties! thanks for the recipe.

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  46. Reply

    5 stars
    Whilst beans are not among my favorite legumes, I do like this dip. I had it for the first time during my trip to Malta and it was delicious on their homemade bread.

  52. Reply

    Assisi is one of my favorite places in Italy. We stayed on our honeymoon. I can imagine having this dip in the small town of Assisi, so yummy. I have to try.

    1. Reply

      What a lovely place for a honeymoon. Assisi is definitely a favourite of mine and I make this dip often to remind me of my time there. I do hope that you also enjoy it. 🙂

  54. Reply

    This looks so delicious I would love to try this at home may be tomorrow, the recipe looks easy and doable

  55. Reply

    5 stars
    Yes! Bean dips can be so filling…when I don’t feel like going for soups for my appetizers, bean dips do come in handy!

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      1. Reply

        5 stars
        Wow, beans are so delicious. I bet this would really taste great. Thanks for sharing the recipe. ?

  67. Reply

    5 stars
    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?

  70. Reply

    I am thinking of what dip should I bring on our picnic and then I saw this. Might as well do this instead!

  71. Reply

    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!

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