Mediterranean White Bean Spread with Fresh Herbs
This easy Mediterranean white bean spread with fresh herbs is a delightful twist on the traditional dips. Infused with the flavors of garlic, lime, and fresh herbs like basil and thyme, this spread offers a creamy, tangy taste that’s perfect for a variety of uses. Whether served as a dip with crackers, spread over crostini, or used as a savory sandwich filling, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. You can substitute cannellini beans with any other white beans you have on hand, and using purple basil gives the spread a lovely color. This recipe is quick to prepare and requires no cooking, making it a great choice for a last-minute addition to your party platters.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: Spreads
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Considerations: Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Dairy-Free
- Keywords: Beans, European, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Potluck, Savory, Quick, Refrigerator, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White kidney beans (or other white beans) | 1 can (15 oz) | Drain and rinse beans if using canned |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Freshly minced or chopped |
| Lime juice | 1 1/2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Use extra virgin for best flavor |
| Fresh basil | 1 tbsp | Chopped (purple basil adds a nice color) |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tsp | Chopped |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/4 tsp | Adjust to taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 122.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 460.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Base: Start by placing the white kidney beans (or your preferred white beans), minced garlic, lime juice, and olive oil into a food processor or a mini-chopper. Pulse until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer a slightly chunkier texture, pulse a little less.
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Add Herbs and Seasoning: Add the fresh basil, thyme, salt, and fresh ground black pepper to the processor. Pulse again until the herbs are well incorporated, and you achieve the texture you prefer. If you like your herbs finely chopped or almost liquified, pulse the mixture longer.
-
Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Transfer the spread into an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least a few hours. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time, so it’s even better if you let it sit overnight.
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Serve: Serve chilled as a dip with crackers, fresh veggies, or pita bread. It also works wonderfully as a spread for crostini or sandwiches.
Tips & Variations:
- Beans: You can substitute the white kidney beans with other beans like cannellini, great northern, or navy beans, depending on what you have available.
- Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can try oregano or a touch of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Additional Flavors: For a more complex flavor, consider adding a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mediterranean White Bean Spread is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a:
- Dip with vegetables such as cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers
- Spread on crostini or toasted baguette slices for a light appetizer
- Sandwich spread to replace mayonnaise or hummus
- Topping for grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a hearty, flavorful meal
Enjoy this vibrant, herb-infused spread as a healthy, easy addition to your next meal or snack.
