Money Saving Herbal Bean Dip for Snacks and Sandwiches

Money Saving Herbal Bean Dip for Snacks and Sandwiches

Are you like me in the summer?  I hate cooking, but I love eating!  That means it is a must to have some cold dishes in the fridge that I can grab and throw something together.  One dish is a salad-type recipe that is so very versatile.  You cut up cucumbers and tomatoes with a bit of onion or chives or whatever else vegetable you have on hand and throw some spicy Italian dressing on it.  Wham, sudden side dish to pull out any time of day.  If you add pasta, cheese chunks, cut up pepperoni and olives it becomes an antipasto salad.  Or add pasta to the veggies (or cut up slaw mix), herbs of your choice, and sprinkle on some parmesan cheese.  The possibilities are endless with this.

But there is another dish I will often have on hand and that is herbal bean dip.  It is a creamy, high protein, healthy dish that is so cost effective.  Basically, for a can or two of white northern beans, you can have a dip for cut up vegetables, for pita chips or pita bread to snack on.  Or you can have a nice vegetarian sandwich spread with some lettuce, tomato slices or sprouts.  And on cold cuts it makes a nice spicy spread to replace mayonnaise.  It only takes minutes to put together, and it can last up to 5 days in the fridge if you cover tightly.  Perfect for those days when I just don't have the energy to do anything else.

Herbal Bean Dip

One 15.5 ounce can of great northern white beans

1/4 cup reserved vegetable stock, or chicken

juice one lemon

1 teaspoon minced garlic

 3 Tablespoons good quality olive oil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 good pinch red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

A good pinch of fresh chopped basil

Drain the beans.  Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor except for the reserved stock.  Blend for up to 1 minute, using the reserved liquid to make it as creamy as you want.  Place in a serving bowl.  If you wish, you can top with paprika, parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. 

I love it with some warm pita bread---but who am I kidding? I can eat this stuff with a spoon.  Enjoy some free time and eat heartily!