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
Recipe Measurements:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.
Ingredients
- 400 g cannellini beans
- 1 small clove of garlic
- 2 tablespoon 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 Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Nessa
oooh yum !!! this must be delicious and also light !! Thanks for sharing this recipe !!
Alexandra
Thanks, Nessa. Appreciate you stopping by!
Jess
What light and delicious recipe for a quick bite when the snack attack hits! 🙂 So good!
Alexandra
Thank you, Jess! Appreciate your kind words 🙂
Lyosha
Sounds delicious! I have tried this soup before or even anything close so I would be super happy to try it myself soon
Alexandra
Thanks so much, Lyosha! 🙂
Elizabeth O
What a delicious dish. I love cannellini beans so this is a hit for me.
Alexandra
Thank you, Elizabeth! I love them too 🙂
Jen
Sounds delicious and so simple too! We always have cannellini beans in because we use them in casseroles.
Alexandra
Hello Jen! They are a great store cupboard staple, aren’t they!? I hope you will get to try this dip! 🙂
Jo
Wow this looks fabulous. Such a perfect taste of Italy!
Alexandra
Thank you so much, Jo! Appreciate your comment 🙂
Teresa
Oh I love bean dip!!! So excited to try this!
Alexandra
Thank you so much!!
Matt
Easy and fast to prepare 🙂
PS: congrats for being in that list!
Alexandra
Thank you so much, Matt! So excited 🙂
Alice
Yummy x 100!!!
This is so good. No more shop bought dip for me.
So nice.
Alexandra
Brilliant to hear, Alice! Thanks so much 🙂
Brian
Delicious. Easy to make, and homemade always best.
Alexandra
We agree, Brian! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂