From Jacqueline's Kitchen: White Bean Dip with Roasted Tomatoes

We chose this dip for February's Lunch and Learn as a filling but fresh vegan option. The canellini beans are packed with protein and fibre, while the tomatoes add a perfect pop of acidity. Try this recipe as an appetizer with some pita or gluten free crackers at your next dinner party, or serve it with carrot and celery sticks on game night.

Ingredients:

• 3 cannellini beans - 398ml each

• 500gm Cherry tomatoes 

• 3 tablespoon chopped sundried tomatoes 

• 6 Fresh garlic cloves

• Chopped parsley 

• 3-4 tablespoons Olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp Thyme dried 

• Juice of 1/2 lemon 

• 3-6 tablespoons of vegetable stock (as needed)

Let's Get Cooking:

Creamy Cannellini Bean Puree

1. Drain and rinse your cannellini beans thoroughly.

2. In a pan, add 2 tablespoon of olive oil and warm over medium heat.

3. Add the beans, a pinch of salt, and a 2-3 tablespoons amount of stock (just enough to help them heat and soften), and warm gently for a few minutes.

4. Transfer softened beans to a bowl and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy. Add a little more stock if needed to reach your desired consistency. 

5. Spoon and spead onto your favourite serving plate

Garlic & Tomato Topping

1. In a pan, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and chopped garlic.

2. Sauté until lightly crisp and fragrant, but do not let it burn! Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add your chopped cherry tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

4. Cook for about 1 minute, then add 2-3 tablespoons of stock, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer until the stock evaporates and the tomatoes soften slightly.

6. To finish spoon the warm tomato mixture over the bean purée.

7. Scatter the sautéed garlic and some fresh chopped parsley on top.

8. Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving

You can even try this bean dip with a mushroom topping, just replace the tomatoes in your recipe with sliced button or brown mushrooms. Or, try adding a little crunch with lightly toasted pine nuts. Have fun with it and play up the flavours that you or your loved ones enjoy the most.