In the winter, one of my favorite dishes to make involves cannellini beans fried in a bit of butter with salt and pepper. It's about as basic as you can get, but I love the unadulterated flavors of this creamy bean. As we prepare for our move, I've continued to try to find ways to use up some of the items on our kitchen shelves. At some point during our long Chicago winter, I apparently stocked up on cans of cannellini beans, so I decided to find a summery way to use them. While a bit more involved than my winter menu, this meal is still simple and quick to prepare.
White Bean Dip
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, rinsed
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
¼
C olive oil
2 Tbl pesto
salt and pepper to taste
Method
Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth. Add a bit more oil or some water if the dip is too thick. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh vegetables and oven-baked pita chips (see recipe below).
Oven-Baked Pita Chips
Makes 48 chips
Preheat oven to 400F
Ingredients
3 store-bought pocket pitas (wheat or white)
2 Tbl olive oil
2 Tbl grated Parmesan
1 Tbl Herbes de Provence (or other dried herbs)
Kosher flake salt
Pepper
Method
Cut the pitas into 8 wedges. Separate each wedge at the seam into two pieces. Place in one layer on a large sheet pan. Brush or drizzle with olive oil (don't worry about covering the surfaces, this is mainly for flavor) and sprinkle with the Herbes de Provence, salt and pepper.
Bake chips for about five minutes and then sprinkle on the Parmesan. Bake for about five more minutes, or until crisp and golden.
This sounds like a great dip! As I prepare for my move too, I'll try the same thing. I think I have beans left in the cabinet, too.
Posted by: Jess LC | August 19, 2009 at 17:55
There is something so enjoyable about using up the last few things before a move. Good luck with yours Jess!
Posted by: Gemma | August 28, 2009 at 13:28
I am so with you on the oven-baked pita chips! easy to make at a moment's notice. I've been thinking about a cannellini bean dip for a long time, but I think you've convinced me to whir some up next time we've company.
hope the packing is coming along nicely, Gemma!
Posted by: Nishta | August 29, 2009 at 12:03
Cannellini beans are the greatest. They can be used in so many different ways - this recipe is awesome. I can't wait to try it!
I just started reading your blog, and I have to say that all of the recipes you've posted are excellent! :) I have a food blog, too - www.thedailyv.com. I look forward to more of your posts!
Posted by: Vanessa | August 30, 2009 at 12:24
Thanks Nishta! We are all moved in and the place is perfect. We finally have a dining room table and we are gearing up for dinner parties!
Thanks Vanessa! I'll check out your blog.
Posted by: gemma | October 09, 2009 at 11:19
I am going to try to make this on Saturday! I adore your site & love the photographs.
Posted by: JoLynn | November 13, 2009 at 12:46
Thank you JoLynn! That is very sweet of you to say. Thanks for dropping by and introducing me to your great site!
Posted by: Gemma | November 24, 2009 at 10:52