Mediterranean White Bean Dip

White beans are not just for winter and provide a great vehicle for flavor in the final of our trio of chilled summer dips. 

Marrying the flavor profile of our Italian Marinara blend of herbs and spices with slow cooked white beans, add a dash of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and toasted pine nuts for an easy addition for a picnic spread. 

A few final tips this month for a meze lunch:

Simplicity, Balance, Color

• Homemade always goes down well but keep it to one or two key dishes and add in some quality store bought goods for balance.
• Load up a large wooden chopping board with slices of dried salami, olives and pickles for tang, a signature cheese such as Manchego and some nuts in a separate bowl.
• Infuse with color and add sweetness with the addition of seasonal fruit such as figs or apricots and a plate of freshly sliced heirloom tomatoes with freshly torn basil.
• Mix up a jug of balsamic dressing ratio of 1:3 balsamic vinegar to olive oil with 1/2 tsp of soft brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste.
• Add a basket of fresh French bread or pita to soak it all up with.
• Arrange a simple bouquet of flowers, picked from the garden, in a mason jar and add a few sprigs of fresh herbs. 
• Fill a jug with water, ice and slices of lemon, lime and cucumber. For a true meze serve an alcoholic apéritif such as an aperol spritz.

For a simple packed lunch using the dip, spread a tortilla wrap with the dip and add a layer of sliced tomatoes with fresh basil for lunch. 

Mediterranean White Bean Dip

2016-07-25 07:53:04

Prep Time: 10m, Cook Time: 8 hours LOW / 4-5 hours HIGH, Servings: 8

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Ingredients

1. 1 tbsp olive oil
2. 1 medium red onion, chopped
3. 2 tsp garlic
4. 1 ½ cups dried white beans, rinsed and drained (navy beans, cannelini beans)
5. 1 Marinara Slow Cooker Spice Blend (or 1 tbsp of any Italian herb blend)
6. 3 cups vegetable broth
7. 2 tbsp lemon juice
8. olive oil and pine nuts to serve

Instructions

1. heat the olive oil in a small skillet
2. add the onion and garlic and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes
3. put the onion mixture to the slow cooker
4. add the white beans, Marinara blend (or any Italian herb blend) and vegetable broth
5. stir, cover and cook on low for 8 hours / high for 4 hours
6. drain any excess liquid, cool and blend with 2 tbsp lemon juice

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