Pine Nut White Bean Dip

Pine Nut White Bean Dip Recipe | Perfect for Any Gathering

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Pine Nut White Bean Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. The combination of white kidney beans, pine nuts, and seasonings creates a delicious dip that pairs perfectly with vegetable dippers.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional white bean dips, incorporating pine nuts for added texture and flavor. White bean dips have been enjoyed in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, known for their creamy consistency and versatility.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of soft bread crumbs
2 tbsp of fat-free milk
1 can of white kidney beans
0.25 cup of light or fat-free sour cream

Pine nuts

3 tbsp of pine nuts
0.25 tsp of salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend or other salt-free seasoning blend
0.13 tsp of cayenne pepper
2 tsp of fresh oregano
assorted vegetable dippers (such as peeled baby carrots, zucchini slices, pea pods, yellow summer squash sticks, and/or red sweet pepper strips)

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk.
Cover and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine beans, sour cream, the 3 tbsp pine nuts, seasoning blend, and cayenne pepper.
Cover and blend or process until it is nearly smooth.
Add the bread crumb mixture.
Cover and blend or process until it is smooth.
Stir in snipped or dried oregano or basil.
Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours to blend the flavors.
If desired, sprinkle with additional pine nuts and garnish with basil or oregano leaves.
Serve with assorted vegetable dippers.

Variations

Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Use different herbs such as parsley or thyme for a unique twist.
Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a tangier dip.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blend the dip until it is smooth for the best texture.

- Chill the dip for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Garnish with additional pine nuts and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dip with assorted vegetable dippers such as bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the dip until smooth is key to achieving the perfect creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pine nuts, you can substitute with almonds or walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

This dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dip with additional pine nuts and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dip pairs well with a variety of wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dip contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Pine Nut White Bean Dip contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dip contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dip contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dip is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and tree nuts (pine nuts).

Summary

This Pine Nut White Bean Dip is a nutritious and delicious appetizer option, packed with protein and fiber from the white beans and pine nuts.

Summary

This Pine Nut White Bean Dip is a delicious and nutritious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, it is sure to be a hit with your guests. Enjoy with your favorite vegetable dippers for a healthy and satisfying snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Pine Nut White Bean Dip. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the secrets of the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, and I was constantly in awe of her culinary skills.

One day, while she was preparing a meal for our family, she pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her collection and handed it to me. It was a recipe for Pine Nut White Bean Dip, a dish I had never heard of before. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my excitement growing. It seemed like such a unique and delicious dish, and I couldn't wait to try making it myself.

My grandmother sat beside me as I gathered the ingredients and began to follow the recipe. She offered guidance and advice as I chopped, stirred, and blended the various components together. I could tell that she was proud of me for taking an interest in cooking, and I was grateful for her patience and encouragement.

As the dip began to take shape, I was amazed by the aroma that filled the kitchen. The combination of the earthy pine nuts, creamy white beans, and fragrant herbs was simply divine. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the dip was finally ready, I scooped a generous amount onto a crisp cracker and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each ingredient complementing the others perfectly. It was creamy, tangy, and oh so satisfying. I couldn't believe that I had created something so delicious.

From that day on, Pine Nut White Bean Dip became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself when I wanted a tasty snack. It was always a hit, and people would often ask me for the recipe. I felt a sense of pride every time I shared it, knowing that it had been passed down to me by my grandmother.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I would experiment with different herbs or spices, or swap out the pine nuts for almonds or walnuts. But no matter how I tweaked it, the core of the dish remained the same – creamy white beans, nutty pine nuts, and a burst of flavor that always left me wanting more.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed the recipe down to my own children. They watched with wide eyes as I whipped up a batch of Pine Nut White Bean Dip, just as I had done so many years ago with my grandmother. It was a tradition that I cherished, a way to connect with my past and share a piece of myself with the ones I loved.

Now, as I look back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Pine Nut White Bean Dip, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that cooking has brought into my life. It has been a source of joy, comfort, and creativity, and I am forever grateful to my grandmother for instilling in me a love of food and all the adventures that come with it. And so, I continue to cook, to experiment, and to share my passion for food with those around me, knowing that each dish I create is a reflection of the love and care that has been passed down through generations.