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A small bowl of white bean dip with caramelized onions

Spanish-Style White Bean Dip with Caramelized Onion - Warm and Creamy

Byron
This Spanish-Style White Bean Dip with Caramelized Onion is your answer. With sweet, slow-cooked onions blended into tender white beans, this dip delivers a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pita, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course appertizer, dip, Side Dish, tapas
Cuisine American, French, Mediterranean, Spain
Servings 6 side
Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

  • 12 inch cast iron skillet or Stainless steel pan
  • Kitchen Blender with 1500-Watt Motor, 68 Oz Large Capacity
  • Premium Ceramic Garlic Grater
  • Wooden cutting board
  • Chef knife
  • Spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 onions thinly sliced
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 1 can about 400–450 g White beans (e.g. cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • 2 –3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil plus a bit more for finishing
  • Juice of ½ a lemon optional, but great for freshness
  • 1 –2 cloves garlic optional, for extra flavor
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:

  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme leaves only or Dried Thyme
  • A splash of balsamic or Jerez Sherry Vinegar for deeper flavor
  • 1 Tsp of Ground cumin for a more earthy flavor

For serving

  • Baguette or warm crusty bread sliced

Instructions
 

Step 1 - Caramelize the onion

  • Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil (and butter if using) in a skillet over medium–low heat. Add the sliced onion (and a pinch of salt).
    3 Tbsp Unsalted butter, 2 –3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 onions
  • Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and golden-brown (caramelized). This takes about 1 hour (longer if you want deeper color).
  • Optional: in the final few minutes, stir in a splash of balsamic (or Sherry vinegar) and minced garlic, if using. This adds depth and sweetness.
    1 –2 cloves garlic, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

Step 2 - Prepare the bean base

  • While the onions cook, place the drained white beans in a food processor. Add lemon juice (if using), a bit of olive oil (1 tbsp), salt and pepper.
    1 can, Juice of ½ a lemon, A splash of balsamic or Jerez Sherry Vinegar for deeper flavor, 1 Tsp of Ground cumin
  • Process until smooth and creamy — if too thick, add a small splash of water or a bit more olive oil to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 3 - Combine and Season

  • Add about ¾ of the caramelized onions into the food processor with the beans and pulse briefly so bits of onion remain (for texture and flavor).
  • Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper/lemon) as needed.
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step 4 - Garnish and Serve

  • Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, a drizzle of olive oil, and — if desired — a sprinkle of fresh thyme or cracked pepper.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with lots of warm bread, crostini, pita chips, or veggies.
    Baguette or warm crusty bread, A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Keyword 1 hours recipe, caramelized onions, Onion, White bean dip, white beans