Tuscan Bean Dip

Exercising creativity in the kitchen can really help an inspiring chef meet their niche. Changing a recipe isn’t necessarily frowned upon — its actually a great way to discover new flavors and dishes!

This is exactly what our very own Richard did after enjoying a lunch in Tuscany. When he arrived home, he made a few alterations to this regional recipe and came up with an office hit! Create this recipe at home — and try making a few adjustments of your own, whether you add different fresh herbs, dried seasonings, or different cheeses.

Tuscan Bean Dip

Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Cook method: puree

Ingredients:

• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 — 3/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
• 1/3 — 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh rosemary, to taste

Instructions:

1. Empty cannellini beans into a food processor and pulse until smooth.

2. Slowly add grated Asiago cheese.

3. With machine running, add olive oil until dip has a smooth, spreadable consistency.

4. Taste and add pinch of salt if necessary.

5. Pulse in fresh rosemary to taste.

6. Spoon into serving bowl and top with a full sprig of rosemary.

7. Serve at room temperature with your favorite crackers or Tuscan bread.

This is a perfect dip to take to a potluck or serve at a dinner party. You can learn to make this and other delicious recipes on a Tuscany cooking vacation. See our website for a listing of all our culinary vacation tour packages, including detailed day to day itineraries for such best-selling culinary tours a Living the Real Tuscan Dream and A Classic Tuscan Table.

Or contact us to create a custom tour just for you including hands-on cooking classes, Tuscany wine tours, cultural excursions, and delicious meals!

By Peg Kern

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