Name: Cannellini Bean Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
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)

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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:

Cannellini Bean Dip

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

4.99 from 70 votes

Print Pin Review

Course: Appetizer, Nibbles, Starter

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 89kcal

Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

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)

Recipe Measurements:

For accuracy, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.

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

*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 Estimate:

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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.

Comments

HolyVeggies

April 25, 2019 at 7:16 pm

I’m a fan of easy recipes and healthy dips. You never disappoint Alexandra!

- Alexandra
  
  April 26, 2019 at 4:31 pm
  
  Thank you so much for the kind comments. Please let me know if you make the dip. 🙂
  
Chad

April 25, 2019 at 9:20 am

This bean dip looks sooo delicious. I love beans. Will definitely try to make it, thanks a lot.

- Alexandra
  
  April 26, 2019 at 4:47 pm
  
  Hi Chad, I hope that you enjoy this dip which is so quickly and easily made. 🙂
  
Amber Myers

April 24, 2019 at 9:50 pm

This looks like an amazing dip to try! I always love finding things to dip veggies in.

- Alexandra
  
  April 26, 2019 at 5:02 pm
  
  Dips are definitely one of my favourite, nutritious, snacks or appetisers when served with veggies. 🙂
  
Monidipa Dutta

November 07, 2018 at 3:25 am

This is really easy to make.

- Alexandra
  
  November 07, 2018 at 10:12 am
  
  Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Enjoy!
  
Nicole

November 03, 2018 at 12:31 am

I totally forgot bean dip was a huge part of my childhood. I printed this out!

- Alexandra
  
  November 03, 2018 at 12:52 pm
  
  Thank you so much, Nicole! 🙂 I love that!
  
Patricia @ Grab a Plate

October 31, 2018 at 11:12 am

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

- Alexandra
  
  October 31, 2018 at 11:14 am
  
  Thank you, Patricia! Appreciate your kind words 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
  
Surekha Busa

October 31, 2018 at 12:06 am

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.

- Alexandra
  
  October 31, 2018 at 12:12 am
  
  Thank you so much, Surekha! Appreciate you stopping by. I hope you and your sister will enjoy this!
  
Ana Ojha

October 30, 2018 at 11:09 pm

That looks incredibly delicious. It looks like a perfect recipe this Holiday season!

- Alexandra
  
  October 30, 2018 at 11:15 pm
  
  Thank you, Ana! It’s a simple one, but a delicious one too 🙂
  
Elizabeth

October 30, 2018 at 6:42 pm

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

- Alexandra
  
  October 30, 2018 at 7:08 pm
  
  Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Enjoy 🙂
  
Yeah Lifestyle

October 30, 2018 at 8:46 am

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

- Alexandra
  
  October 30, 2018 at 10:32 am
  
  Hope you’ll enjoy it – let me know what you think! 🙂

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