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
Yum!! This is such a great way to use cannellini beans! I have a pantry full of canned beans and this was the perfect use for them. I added shaved parmesan on top and had them with wheat crackers. Super addicting!!
I am so pleased that you enjoyed the Cannellini Bean Dip, Mary. It’s always good to have recipes which are easily made from store cupboard ingredients. 🙂
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 was amazing. I look forward to trying your other dips.
I am so pleased that you liked it, Fran! Let me know if you try other recipes 🙂
Recently moved to a new house and we started cooking so this is perfect. I cant thank you enough. Delicious!
That is great, Nelly! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
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!
A can of beans is a very useful item. I love to make a dip with them but there are so many other ways in which to use them. 🙂
I’m a fan of easy recipes and healthy dips. You never disappoint Alexandra!
Thank you so much for the kind comments. Please let me know if you make the dip. 🙂
This bean dip looks sooo delicious. I love beans. Will definitely try to make it, thanks a lot.
Hi Chad, I hope that you enjoy this dip which is so quickly and easily made. 🙂
This looks like an amazing dip to try! I always love finding things to dip veggies in.
Dips are definitely one of my favourite, nutritious, snacks or appetisers when served with veggies. 🙂
This is really easy to make.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Enjoy!
I totally forgot bean dip was a huge part of my childhood. I printed this out!
Thank you so much, Nicole! 🙂 I love that!
Who doesn’t love a souvenir you can eat 🙂 This is a simple and tasty dip that’s perfect for snack time!
Thank you, Patricia! Appreciate your kind words 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!