For Starters…

Posted by Aggies Kitchen on April 13th, 2009. Filed under: Appetizers, Beverages, Entertaining, Everyday Italian, Giada De Laurentiis.

For me, there is nothing like starting a get together with some yummy drinks and appetizers.

I’ve made this dip a few times now and it is one of my favorites. I normally toast up some pita wedges for dipping but this time I used up some leftover Garlic & Rosemary Ciabatta Crisps I picked up at Costco. If you find these you must buy them! They are so delicious and perfect for any spreadable cheese or dip.

Giada’s White Bean Dip is like an Italian version of hummus. It’s got such a smooth creamy texture and the lemon and garlic add great flavor. It’s pretty easy to whip up using mostly items you have on hand.

White Bean Dip with Pita Chips
Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis, Everyday Italian and
Food Network

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil, plus 4 tablespoons
1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 pitas
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the beans, garlic, lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, and parsley in the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the bean puree to a small bowl.

Cut each pita in half and then into 8 wedges. Arrange the pita wedges on a large baking sheet. Pour the remaining oil over the pitas. Toss and spread out the wedges evenly. Sprinkle with the oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until toasted and golden in color.

Serve the pita toasts warm or at room temperature alongside the bean puree.

And to make this dip that much better…

Bellinis
Recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen

bottle sparkling wine or champagne
2 cups frozen peaches
1 cup simple syrup (1 cup water : 1 cup sugar)

In blender, puree peaches and simple syrup together. Spoon 2 tablespoons of pureed peach mixture into the bottom of champagne flutes. Carefully top with sparkling wine or champagne. Stir to combine if you desire…or just drink as is with a fruity surprise at the bottom of your glass!

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27 Responses to For Starters…

  1. Sara

    Mmmm, this looks great. I’m a big fan of hummus and this seems very similar. I’ll have to try this out!

  2. Jenny

    Oh my, this looks incredible Aggie! I want some right now!

  3. Carrian

    YUM!!! This looks so yummy!! I love having appetizers at home too!

  4. Liz

    I love this recipe. I made it for Gourmet Group a few years ago and it was a huge hit. Thanks for the reminder that I must make it again soon (maybe as an appetizer for a small dinner party I’m having w/ neighbors on Saturday night)!

  5. Pam

    YUM! Wish I had a bowl of that dip right now.

  6. Mary

    This looks so good! I have to try these out.

  7. Maria

    I have made this before! LOVE IT! I wish I had some now!

  8. melissa

    Oh thanks for the reminder – I saw her make this on the show while I was on vacation at my mom’s and wanted it. I have everything in the house already and can whip it up tonight. Yay!

  9. Debbie

    Wow, they both look wonderful. Great combo…I visit Costco way too often!!!

  10. Erica

    OW! I have a street party on Wednesday- I may be bringing this- I just have to make sure I have white beans! Looks awesome!!! I bet your parties are just incredible ;)

  11. Helene

    I’m glad you are talking about this dip because I’ve bookmarked it, couple months ago, and did not make it yet. Now I have to.

  12. A Feast for the Eyes

    I am not very creative with appetizers, but I want to be. This is the perfect start. I cannot bond with hummus, but I’ve been looking for this kind of recipe. Perfect!
    Great photos, too.

    Thanks!
    Debby

  13. Kerstin

    What a yummy looking dip! I’m going to have to look for those Ciabatta Crisps at Costco.

  14. Passionate Eater

    Oh goodness, an Italian version of hummus? I definitely need to “start” trying that recipe with those crisps from Costco. Thank you for the inspiration!

  15. Sophie

    MMMMMMM…thid dip looks divine! I love your champagne drink too, very summery!!

  16. Kelly Bergsing

    that looks wonderful!! I will definitely be trying that this week!!! :)

  17. Colleen

    What a perfect little snack! And I love those crisps from Costco!

  18. unconfidentialcook

    I must confess that I buy white bean hummus at Trader Joe’s and it’s v. good…but I bet Giada’s is even better.

  19. melissa

    I actually did make this last night, so seriously, thanks. It was really tasty and it was also perfect for a submission to someone’s blog event I’ve been struggling to find a dish for. Yesss!!

  20. Annie

    OOh. I have been wanting to try that bean dip of hers… It looks delicious. And those bellini’s, Oh yeah, I’m in :)

  21. Bridgett

    I absolutely love this dip and make it often to have on hand for snacking with veggies. It is always a huge hit for dinner parties too, which makes life easy!

  22. lisaiscooking

    I love white bean dip! Now, I’m really hungry for lunch already!

  23. Mary Ann

    This dip looks so fresh and light. I am definitely going to give it a try. I love starters.

  24. Suzie

    Looks great – and not too wicked either. Your photos are so pretty too.

  25. Rumela

    Great recipe!! The combination is truly fascinating. white bean dip and pita chips are nutritious and good for health. So twice combination is likely to be tasty and healthy alike. thank you for shearing your post.

    Thanks

    Rumela
    my site

  26. Tina

    Aggie this dip looks scrumptious. I am in love with the northern beans. I cant wait to try out this recipe.

  27. Me, Myself & Pie

    I want to eat this RIGHT NOW! I’m obsessed with dips and hummus and this is definitely going to be made at my house soon. Just found your blog. Love it!

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