Make Your Own Bean Dip

I love bean dips and they are so easy to make.  As long as you have a food processor or good blender and a little imagination, the possibilities are endless.  Start with ANY type of bean or lentil.  Canned beans are the most convenient but cooking beans from scratch is great.  Just follow this basic recipe and you’ll have a tasty snack in no time.

• 2 cans beans or 2 cups cooked, rinsed well (kidney, garbanzo, black, white, lentil)
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon (or lime)
• 1/4 cup of fresh herbs of your choice (rosemary, thyme, parsley, cilantro, oregano)
• Olive oil
• sea salt & pepper to taste

Combine beans, garlic, lemon juice and herbs in a food processor.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil until dip reaches desired consistency.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add some spice with chili flakes, if desired.  Other additions could be roasted red peppers, olives, pesto, jalapeno, tahini paste, and sun dried tomatoes.

[ssba]