Provencal Bean Dip
Provencal Bean Dip Recipe | Vegetarian French Cuisine
Introduction
Provencal Bean Dip is a delicious and healthy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Made with cannellini beans, fresh herbs, and garlic, this dip is full of flavor and can be served with a variety of dippers such as fresh vegetables and breadsticks.
History
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Provence, a region in the south of France known for its delicious and fresh cuisine. The combination of beans, herbs, and garlic is a classic flavor profile in Provencal cooking, and this dip is a great way to showcase those flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 small clove of garlic, peeled
- 19 oz (539 g) can of cannellini beans, with 0.33 cup of liquid reserved, rinsed and drained
- 0.25 cup of fresh basil leaves or 1.5 tsp of dried basil
- 1 tbsp of rosemary infused olive oil or extra-virgin olive oil plus 0.25 tsp of dried rosemary
- 0.25 tsp of salt
- 0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh vegetables and breadsticks
How to prepare
- Using a food processor, mince the garlic. Add the beans, basil, oil, salt, and pepper. Process until well blended. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. Serve the dip at room temperature with crudités and bread sticks.
Variations
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Top the dip with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to rinse and drain the beans before using them in the dip to remove any excess salt or preservatives.
- For a smoother dip, you can peel the beans before processing them in the food processor.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Provencal Bean Dip with a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, as well as breadsticks or crackers.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires a food processor to blend the ingredients together into a smooth dip.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any type of white beans in place of cannellini beans.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the Provencal Bean Dip up to 8 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the dip in a small bowl garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This dip pairs well with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Provencal Bean Dip contains approximately 100 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Provencal Bean Dip contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Provencal Bean Dip contains approximately 2 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Provencal Bean Dip contains approximately 5 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dip is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.
Alergens
This recipe contains garlic and may not be suitable for those with garlic allergies.
Summary
Provencal Bean Dip is a nutritious and delicious appetizer that is low in calories and high in protein and fiber.
Summary
Provencal Bean Dip is a flavorful and healthy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare, this dip is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day in Provence, France, and I found myself wandering through a bustling market filled with fresh produce, herbs, and spices. The aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and basil filled the air, and I knew I had to find out more about the delicious dish I saw being served at a nearby vendor's stall.
I approached the vendor, an older woman with a kind smile and a twinkle in her eye. She beckoned me over and offered me a taste of the dish she was serving - a creamy, flavorful bean dip that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I savored the flavors of the dip, savoring the creamy texture of the beans mixed with the tangy tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
I asked the vendor for the recipe, and to my surprise, she was more than happy to share it with me. She explained that the dish was a traditional Provencal recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations. She told me about how her grandmother used to make it for special occasions, and how she had adapted the recipe over the years to make it her own.
I listened intently as she shared the ingredients and the cooking process with me, making mental notes of each step. She told me about the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and how the dish was best served with crusty bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.
After thanking the vendor for her generosity, I made my way back to my temporary home in Provence, eager to recreate the delicious bean dip for myself. I gathered the ingredients I needed - cannellini beans, tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a few other key ingredients - and set to work in the kitchen.
As I chopped, sautéed, and simmered, the aroma of the dish filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny market in Provence. I could almost hear the sounds of the bustling crowd and the laughter of the vendors as I stirred the pot, adding a pinch of salt here and a dash of pepper there.
Finally, after what felt like hours of anticipation, the bean dip was ready. I scooped a generous spoonful onto a piece of crusty bread and took a bite, savoring the flavors that had captivated me in the market. The creamy texture of the beans, the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, and the fragrant herbs all came together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.
I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would make for friends and family for years to come. And true to my word, I have shared the recipe with countless others, passing on the tradition of Provencal bean dip to a whole new generation.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in Provence, I can't help but smile at the memories of that delicious bean dip and the kindness of the vendor who shared her recipe with me. It's moments like these that remind me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to keep traditions alive.
So the next time you find yourself in a bustling market, surrounded by the sights and smells of fresh ingredients, take a chance on a new recipe. You never know what delicious discoveries you might make, or what new traditions you might create. And who knows - you might just find yourself hooked on a dish that will become a beloved favorite for years to come.
Categories
| Basil Recipes | Cannellini Bean Recipes | Dip Recipes | French Recipes | Rosemary Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |