Did You Know? The "pocket" in pita bread is made by steam. The steam puffs up the dough and, as the bread cools and flattens, a pocket is left in the middle.
This dip has become my signature recipe at neighborhood get-togethers. It's always expected to be put out before our main course with some homemade pita chips, and the leftovers (which I usually have to set aside) are always requested by my friend Ali. It's smooth and creamy, fruity from the olive oil, and really filling. The cannellini beans are rich in protein and fiber, and the oil provides a good dose of heart-healthy fats. The fresh parsley provides a nice pop of green, and the garlic gives it a nice bite along with a good amount of disease-fighting compounds and manganese.
This dip is excellent as is, but it also lends itself to a handful of variations. I love it with plump sun-dried tomatoes and basil, with roasted red and jalapeno peppers, with caramelized onions, the list goes on. I'd love to hear some other suggestions you may have, or maybe a favorite dip that you serve. I'm always looking for new recipes to break out at parties. Until then, here's the original...
1 (15-oz) can Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Puree all ingredients in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with homemade pita chips, as a sandwich spread, or with raw veggies.
6 Whole wheat pitas
Olive oil cooking spray
Herbes de Provence
Salt and Pepper
Preheat oven to 400.
Split the pita rounds all the way along the outer seam, so that you have a total of 12 circles. Cut each round into 8 wedges, like you would a pizza.
Lightly spray a few baking sheets with cooking spray, and arrange pita wedges on the trays (do not overlap). Spray the wedges, and sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crunchy. Enjoy warm or cooled with the white bean dip.
Very interesting about the pocket in the pita!!
ReplyDeleteLoooove bean dips - holy yum.
Happy New Year!!
A tasty and healthy dip!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!
This dip looks like the perfect way to start the New Year. Healthy and so very yummy. Thanks for the posting.
ReplyDeleteI love this blog! I was actually thinking about what causes that little packet. A nice healthy dip is such a welcome treat during the holidays! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting! I love bean dips too, very satisfying.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
This sounds and looks delicious, I love dips like this.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
this dip is so good for you and so tasty...good choice. when I make this I put a bit of heat in it, yum!
ReplyDeleteExcellent. Made just as you suggested and it was oh, so good. Thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you all enjoyed a healthy dip to start the New Year right.
ReplyDeleteDawn: I'll definately try spicing things up next time I make this.
Mremmers: Thanks for trying it out, and glad everything was tasty! Happy New Year.
This dip sounds wonderful after holidays of eating too much heavy food!
ReplyDeleteI love bean dip, it is so addicting!! I eat it without actually dipping anything in it and by the spoonful sometimes.
ReplyDeleteUmmm... this sounds and looks a lot like humus. I think I would switch the parsley for cilantro and add olives. It looks delish!
ReplyDeleteThat dip looks fabulous. It's a good alternative to hummus, and I love the way you made the pita chips. I bet they're good just plain too.
ReplyDeletemmmm, i LOVE this dip! i like to add a bit of fresh rosemary in this too. so good!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to think of ways to eat more beans since they are so good for me. This looks great, dips are so yummy!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog! I absolutely LOVE your pictures and your recipes look great. Can't wait to give them a try. Happy New Year to you, too!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fantastic recipe, and what a cool fact!
ReplyDeleteinteresting fact about the pita pockets! your dip looks incredible! i love hummus, but i've never thought of it as very pretty...way to make mushed up beans look heavenly :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by earlier. Nice to find your blog too, great recipes and great pictures. Want to try out several of them already.
ReplyDeleteGosh, your entire blog is so clean and pretty!
ReplyDeleteLove the white bean dip! For the New Year my sister made something similar with black-eyed-beans for good luck :)
Yum, I love simple dips like this. Such a great snack to have around.
ReplyDeleteAre navy beans the same as cannellini beans? My grocery store does not carry cannelini but I have a few cans of navy beans. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Kaye! Navy beans and cannellini beans are not the same, but I bet it will still taste great. Does your store carry great northern beans? Any white bean would make an excellent substitution. Hope this helps!
ReplyDelete