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 mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course appertizer, dip, Side Dish, tapas
Cuisine American, French, Mediterranean, Spain
Servings 6 side
Calories 165 kcal
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
- 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
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