Can you handle some mushy talk today before we get to the food? I hope so… and if not, just skip down to the recipe!
Today I am feeling unbelievably lucky. Lucky to somehow have such an amazing man in my life, to have such wonderful, caring and generous parents, and just generally to have the deck stacked in my favor. I’m not sure how I ended up with so much, but I am so very thankful. It’s easy to take all the wonderful people and things in my life for granted, and I do that too often, but today I am just feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am not sure how I’ll ever live up to it all!
I guess in the meantime I will just make everyone lots of food. Sometimes even reeeally good food.
I copied the idea for this spread from a brunch spot where Nate and I ate recently. They serve a vegan plate that includes, among other things, a white bean spread with a hint of roasted garlic and truffles on warm toasts. I was pretty much in heaven eating these little toasts at brunch, and knew I head to recreate them at home.
Luckily, it couldn’t be easier. Well… you do have to roast some garlic, as well as have some truffle oil on hand. But I highly recommend both of those things.
This spread has only a handful of ingredients, and only 2 Tbsp of oil, but it tastes unbelievably decadent. I mean, roasted garlic and truffle oil?! You will really feel like you’re living the high life when you eat it! What I love about it is that despite what you might expect, it’s a relatively mild dip. The roasted garlic and truffle flavors are pretty subtle, just lending a hint of deliciousness to a creamy white bean dip.
I loved this dip spread on some baguette slices and stuck in the toaster oven for a few minutes. It’s also good cold as a dip or a spread. For dipping, I recommend small toasts or red pepper strips! Or a finger, in a pinch.
- 2 heads of garlic
- 28 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (3 and 1/2 cups cooked)
- 2 Tbsp white truffle oil
- up to 1/2 cup water
- kosher salt
- white pepper (or substitute black pepper)
- small toasts or veggies for serving
- Preheat oven to 375. Peel the flaky outer peels off of the heads of garlic, leaving the cloves in their skins. Slice off the top of the heads of garlic so that the inside of each clove is exposed. Place on a baking sheet (or I like to use a muffin tin), drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and cover each with tin foil. Roast until golden-brown, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit until cool enough to handle.
- Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze out the cloves into the bowl of a food processor. Careful not to get any skins in! Add cannellini beans, truffle oil, and a few tablespoons of water and puree, scraping down the sides as necessary. With the food processor running, add water 1-2 Tbsp at a time to keep things moving and reach a creamy consistency. Once desired consistency is achieved, let food processor run for several minutes to get the dip really creamy.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper - I used about 3/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp white pepper.
- Serve with toasts, veggies, or dippers of your choice! Enjoy.
Having solid people in your life is so valuable. It’s amazing how rich and fulfilling they help make our lives, and the more we realize how lucky we are, the more we can give and receive from others! Your spread looks amazing! It’s fun to re-create our favorite restaurant recipes, and this one is definitely one to hold on to!
This sounds so decadent and delicious!
That looks insanely good and your photography is absolutely stunning!
Love the sounds of the spread. I’m happy you are feeling so lucky. Great things are happening for you right now!
Oh em gee…YES please! I LOVE white bean spreads and this would be absolutely fabulous on a veggie sandwich!
Love that idea!
I also felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude soon after getting engaged (and still do) — it’s such a wonderful time :) and this spread looks AMAZING… truffle oil and roasted garlic in one recipe, how could it NOT be?!
Awww, so happy for you love! And you know, I do the same thing when I feel an overwhelmed sense of gratitude…cook all the things…and give them to those I love! This looks awesome, but really, you had me at truffle! ;)
This looks fabulous, can’t wait to try! Beautiful pictures!
Thank you, Kaylee!
This spread looks so delicious! Perfect for entertaining, too. I love everything about it.
Pinned!
It’s hard not to be on cloud nine after such an important event. It really puts everything into perspective- such a happy time!
I love everything about this spread. I’ve never bought truffle oil but when I looked into buying truffle paste (er, spread?) it was outrageous. But it was at Whole Foods so that might’ve had something to do with it. I do love the flavor it adds though!
I think I would eat that with a spoon! :)
I can’t deny doing that :)
great healthy spread!
Thanks Dina!
I would really like to hear from people who have actually made it. Thanks! Sounds great as I have been wanting a recipe for a white bean dip.