Last week I reviewed each recipe that I made in my second year of blogging in preparation for writing Top Recipes of Year Two and a Giveaway (be sure to enter your name into the drawing for a gorgeous Shun knife). It quickly became apparent that my blog is sadly lacking in the dip and spread department. With more than 300 recipes, I had only…count them…three dip recipes – black bean, artichoke pesto and roasted vegetable. That is a sad state of affairs for someone who enjoys watching sports and feeding finger foods to fellow fans. (My high school English teacher would squeal in delight at that use of alliteration. I digress.)
In an attempt to reclaim my tail-gating, fist-pumping swagger, I pulled out some basic ingredients that can be found in many pantries and fridges, and set to work. White bean dips are always a favorite and pair well with herbal flavors, such as rosemary or sage. With this recipe, however, I went in a slightly different direction. Cannellini beans are pureed with olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, garlic and fresh mint to form a smooth and creamy spread. To add a burst of brine (I do love my salt), minced kalamata olives are stirred in before serving. Before long, I find myself soaking up the dregs of the dip with one last triangle of pillowy pita bread.
Not only would this dip be welcome at any playoff party, but it is an original accompaniment to a soup and salad lunch. Serve it with crudite, pita bread or crackers.
The recipe:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin and garlic. Puree until smooth. Season with salt. Add mint and pulse to combine. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
In a small bowl, stir together minced kalamata olives and olive oil. Arrange kalamata olive mixture over the bean dip. Stir in just before serving. Serve with pita bread wedges and crudite.
Other bean dips:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Spicy Black Bean Dip with Roasted Red & Chipotle Peppers
Savoring the Thyme’s Layered and Lightened-Up 7-Layer Dip
She Wears Many Hats’ White Bean Spread with Roasted Garlic
Andrea Recipes’ Cannellini Bean Dip with Garlic Scapes
White Bean Dip with Kalamata Olives & Mint
1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp minced fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 oz. kalamata olives, minced (about 1/3 cup minced)
n the bowl of a food processor, combine cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin and garlic. Puree until smooth. Season with salt. Add mint and pulse to combine. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
In a small bowl, stir together minced kalamata olives and olive oil. Arrange kalamata olive mixture over the bean dip. Stir in just before serving. Serve with pita bread wedges and crudite.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
Heather says
Apr 7, 2011 at 10:03 pmHi there! Just stumbled on your blog – I’m not sure what’s taken me so long to find it! It’s lovely!! So many recipes I want to try already and I’ve only just found you! Looking forward to following a fellow-Canuck’s blog. P.S. Your dip looks delish!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:23 amThanks so much for stopping by, heather. I’m always happy to gain a new Canadian reader!
Laurie @SimplyScratch says
Apr 7, 2011 at 11:36 pmOh yum! I just might have to make your dip this weekend! Wonderful recipe!~
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:23 amThanks, Laurie. I hope you enjoy it.
Lora says
Apr 8, 2011 at 4:11 amLOVE this dip. The combination of white beans and olives in irresistible. Great idea to add the mint.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:24 amThanks, Lora. The mint adds a nice layer of flavor.
claudia lamascolo/aka pegasuslegend says
Apr 8, 2011 at 5:04 amThis is one of my fav’s havent tried with olives will do that the next time!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:25 amI love the saltiness of the olives. It makes for something a little different than standard white bean dip (though I enjoy those, too).
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 5:37 amyou had me at kalamata olives…add those to anything and i’m a happy, happy girl!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:25 amI hear you, Heather! I’m happy to eat them straight.
Drick says
Apr 8, 2011 at 5:53 amtwo of my favorite dips are bean dips and the cream cheese & olive types – now by combining these I can only imagine what a winning score this is in the playbook… and not just for sporting fans but all fun-loving, dip eating folks
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:25 amThanks, Drick. I ate this for lunch yesterday alongside a salad and was a very happy lady.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Apr 8, 2011 at 7:15 amWhat’s not to love about this gorgeous dip??
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:26 amThanks, Lori.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Apr 8, 2011 at 7:34 amOh that olive topping sounds wonderful! I love a healthy white bean dip with veggies.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:26 amThanks, Sylvie.
Kristi Rimkus says
Apr 8, 2011 at 7:40 amWhat an appealing platter. I love the mint, cumin and lemon combination with the beans. Your blog might be lacking in dip recipes, but you have an incredible collection of wonderful foods here.
Kristi
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:26 amThanks so much, Kristi. That’s very kind of you.
Pretend Chef says
Apr 8, 2011 at 7:49 amI love going to parties and seeing the dip or spread being served. This would be perfect for a table scape. The flavor combination would be perfect with some grilled chicken and added into a pita. Yummy!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:27 amGreat idea. I am definitely going to try that.
Dana says
Apr 8, 2011 at 7:50 amThe addition of olives to this creamy white bean dip sounds like a great choice! Love this idea!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:27 amThanks, Dana. The olives add a really nice flavor and texture to this dip.
Kalynskitchen says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:31 amThis dip has just the kinds of flavors I like most! The addition of the kalamata olives is a great touch!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:28 amThank you, Kalyn. Kalamata olives are a favorite of mine and they work really well in this dip.
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:24 amI’m probably equally remiss thinking there are plenty of dip recipes to be had but I like this one Dara…creamy, salty…well, what is there NOT to love?
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:29 amThanks so much, Barb. It has definitely made its way into my “favorite” file.
Jenny Flake says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:30 amOh yah!! Looks great Dara, love those Kalamata Olives!! Happy Friday!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:32 amThanks, Jenny. I hope you have a great weekend.
Maris (In Good Taste) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:38 amThis is so beautiful and such a healthy dip!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:28 amThanks, Maris. I definitely feel guilt-free when I’m eating this dip.
Lin Ann says
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:35 amTruly my favorite kind of snack, my family’s too. Just wonderful!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:51 pmThanks so much.
Maria says
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:41 amWhat a great dip for parties or every day snacking!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:51 pmThanks, Maria.
RavieNomNoms says
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:53 amI am such a dipper! I love dips, they are so great to have for tailgating, watching tv, dinner parties. They awesome! Your bean dip looks amazing, I would happily dunk away with this delightful and delicious dip. 😉
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:51 pmYou’re right – dips really are multi-purpose. I don’t know why I don’t make them more often.
marla says
Apr 8, 2011 at 1:17 pmDara, I love the simplicity & sound of this dip! The briny olives do add so much 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:51 pmMarla, I agree. The olives really finish the dip off nicely.
Kate@Diethood says
Apr 8, 2011 at 3:02 pmOh my, this dip sounds so good…beans, cumin, lemon juice, mint… yummy good! Does it have to be shared?! 😉
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:52 pmNo way. It’s best eaten in private. =)
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
Apr 8, 2011 at 3:07 pmI want this for an appetizer tonight!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:52 pmGo for it, Alison. It takes very little time to make.
HeatherChristo says
Apr 8, 2011 at 3:16 pmI am a great lover of the dips myself- and black olives and mint seal the deal 🙂
Sense of Home says
Apr 8, 2011 at 3:22 pmJust came across your blog and I’m glad I did, what beautiful photos and recipes you have here.
-Brenda
Jennifer (savor) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 3:24 pmyou sweet and sneaky girl….just a few more weeks until blogaway!!!
Squash Blossom Babies says
Apr 8, 2011 at 4:17 pmThis is great! It’s like hummus but with cannellini beans!
Kathy - Panini Happy says
Apr 8, 2011 at 4:21 pmI think youcan confidently reclaim your dip-making swagger with this one, Dara – what a beautiful presentation.
Kimby says
Apr 8, 2011 at 6:03 pmThat “halo” of kalamata olives is pretty much how I feel about kalamata’s… heavenly! I was thinking this dip would make a great base for a “pita pizza” appetizer, too — maybe with some of your carmamelized onions. 🙂
Lindsey@Lindselicious says
Apr 8, 2011 at 6:51 pmOooh the addition of mint is interesting- esp with the olives. Can’t wait to try this combo!
LKG says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:10 pmHi, this looks fantastic! One problem for us is that my husband dislikes mint Ina big way – top alternate herb suggestion? Thanks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:35 pmYou could try cilantro instead.
Lucy says
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:22 pmMy current favorite hummus that I buy is a greek olive hummus, so this would be right up my alley. I love olives in any form and the cannellini beans and olive oil would be delicious. Will definitely have to try this!
Shaina says
Apr 8, 2011 at 9:55 pmThis is the perfect party food, and in my book, anything with olives is destined for my mouth. When’s the next big game?
Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com says
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:16 pmDara, this dip looks delicious. I’m absolutely making it tomorrow 🙂 Thanks for the lovely recipe!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:36 pmYou have elevated bean dip to a new level for me, I’ve got to find some cannellini beans and get to work!
avocado to pear says
Apr 9, 2011 at 12:37 amOh my, what a stunning presentation and it sounds so good I don’t think I’d share it!
Mint is such a pick me up.
Katrina says
Apr 9, 2011 at 1:11 amWhat a tasty dip! Love this recipe.
Frank says
Apr 9, 2011 at 8:11 amHmmm. I’ll have to try this! I love hummus and sometimes wonder if I couldn’t do something similar with cannellini beans but always supposed that they wouldn’t have enough intrinsic flavor. But I guess I was wrong!
Damaris @Kitchen Corners says
Apr 9, 2011 at 9:44 amI agree with Katrina, this dip looks very tasty. I love kalamata olives they add a special kick to any dish.
KCintheKitchen says
Apr 9, 2011 at 10:51 amThis dip looks delicious and I’m going to try it tonight! Just found your blog and I’m now following you!
erica says
Apr 9, 2011 at 1:55 pmThis dip looks amazing………it has some of my husband’s favourite ingredients, beans, cumin, olives and mint. Thanks for sharing your recipe and great photographs.
Parsley Sage says
Apr 9, 2011 at 2:36 pmMmm…this is a gorgeous dip. I really like that you tossed in some mince olives at the finish line. The perfect addition of savory 🙂
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Apr 9, 2011 at 6:54 pmSo healthy and vibrant! A delicious way to snack. 🙂
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Apr 9, 2011 at 10:23 pmYou’ve regained your swagger in a healthy way 😉 Love the flavor of mint combined with briny olives!
Delishhh says
Apr 9, 2011 at 11:54 pmI make a similar version of this and it is my favorite snack – i use it for crackers, vegetables and also just as a spread on my bread and LOVE it – next time try this version with 🙂 http://delishhh.com/2011/01/30/white-bean-puree/ I lover your version too i just can’t eat olives but looks fabulous!
Elizabeth says
Apr 10, 2011 at 6:47 amYum! This looks *very* tasty. Love the addition of the mint–so unexpected.
Mandy says
Apr 10, 2011 at 8:53 amGreat photos! I will eat almost anything with kalamata olives and this white bean dip looks and sounds delish!
Tracy says
Apr 11, 2011 at 12:57 pmI just love the look of this dip! Can’t wait to try it!
Jeanette says
Apr 13, 2011 at 4:37 amDara, this dip looks gorgeous – love the kalamata olives on top and the mint/cumin combination!
cooking rookie says
Apr 29, 2011 at 11:10 amThis dip looks great!
Heather Davis says
May 11, 2011 at 6:36 amI’m a bit of a dip girl I have to say! This one looks great.
Kari says
Dec 20, 2011 at 8:23 amIt’s lovely to see a Canadian food blog. Fabulous recipes! Thank you for sharing!