Creamy Romanian Bean Dip

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked white beans 2 cups (400g) cooked white beans
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the cooked white beans to the pan and stir well to combine with the garlic and onion mixture.
3. 3.
   Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Transfer the bean mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Fasole Batută with crusty bread or crackers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beans — If using canned beans, make sure to rinse them thoroughly before using to remove excess sodium. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before using in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dip.
• Garnish the dip with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of flavor.
• Serve the Fasole Batută with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a healthier option.
• Experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, to create variations of this dip.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve a small portion of the cooked beans and add them to the blended dip for some added texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Fasole Batută as an appetizer or snack with crusty bread or crackers. It can also be served as a dip alongside a platter of fresh vegetables for a healthier option.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Fasole Batută to a decorative serving bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve it alongside a basket of warm bread or a platter of colorful crackers for an inviting presentation.