Silky Romanian White Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions Recipe
This Silky Romanian White Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions Delight is a smooth and flavorful vegetarian dip that combines creamy white beans with sweet, caramelized onions infused with smoky paprika. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this dip offers a delightful blend of textures and rich, earthy tones enhanced by garlic and tomato paste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 1 cup per serving) 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Romanian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dip
- 1 can (15 oz) Canned White Beans
- 1/4 cup Bean Canning Liquid
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt, divided
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Sunflower Oil
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (additional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (remaining)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Drain the canned white beans, reserving a quarter cup of the canning liquid. This liquid will help achieve a silky texture in the dip.
- Blend the Dip Base: In a food processor, combine the drained beans, reserved canning liquid, half of the salt, and minced garlic. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no large bean pieces remain.
- Slice Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions to promote even caramelization and sweetness during cooking.
- Cook Onions with Tomato Paste and Spices: Heat sunflower oil in a non-stick skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, tomato paste, the remaining salt, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add the remaining smoked paprika and continue cooking the onions for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until they become golden brown and deeply caramelized.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the blended white bean mixture evenly in a serving dish. Spoon the warm caramelized onion mixture on top, creating a beautiful layered presentation.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm or at room temperature with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- The reserved canning liquid is key to achieving a smooth, creamy dip.
- Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat brings out their natural sweetness without burning.
- Adjust smoked paprika quantity to taste for more or less smokiness.
- For a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when blending the beans.
- This dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Keywords: Romanian white bean dip, caramelized onion dip, smoked paprika dip, vegetarian appetizer, creamy bean dip
