I got this recipe from my friend Tracey. It is easy, versatile, and a powerhouse of nutrition.
Garlic White Bean Spread
3 cloves garlic
2-16 oz cans of Great Northern or Cannelini beans, rinsed and drained
3 T. lime juice
2 T. olive oil
2 T. chopped fresh basil or 1 T. dried
1 T. chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 T. dried
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
Put everything in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Conversely, you could pour the liquids over the beans in a bowl and mash them with a fork.
Bean spreads are a great substitute for lunch meat or heavy cheese-based dips. I wouldn’t be able to source this one locally, but the overall footprint of bean-based proteins instead of meat ones can NOT be overstated.
Don’t feel like you have to follow this recipe to the letter; it’s very versatile. Just about any seasoning will work. I’ve tried oregano, and that was really good. I bet rosemary would also be excellent. Lemon juice instead of lime is also fine, and any old oil that you like will work.
April 22, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I’ve never tried this with basil – that’s a great suggestion 🙂 As I am of Indian descent, I often make this with 1 or 2 green chillies and a handful of coriander. It’s quite tasty and not so spicy as to overpower the other flavours.