Garlic & Spinach White Bean Dip
For Frugal Nation, I have focused on dinner and complete “meals.” This recipe, however, could work as a snack or light lunch. It is also a nice side dish for dinner, especially if you need to work some vegetables into the meal.
If you like hummus, you will enjoy this dip. It is rich and thick like hummus, but the spinach makes it a beautiful green color. Eat it just like you would hummus, with chips or pita, vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
Garlic & Spinach White Bean Dip
2 tbsp olive oil
3-4 large garlic cloves, minced
3-4 cups baby spinach
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tsp sea salt
2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern White beans, drained and rinsed
Heat oil in a small skill over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn. Transfer garlic to food processor bowl.
Wipe pan clean and add a small amount of additional oil. Add spinach, in batches, and saute over low heat until wilted. Transfer to food processor bowl.
Add lemon juice and salt to food processor bowl and pulse to combine. Add beans to bowl and puree until smooth. Chill slightly before serving (15 minutes in refrigerator). Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Frugal Breakdown
olive oil: negligible
3-4 large garlic cloves: negligible
3-4 cups baby spinach: $1.00
lemon: $0.50
sea salt: negligible
2 cans beans: $1.78
TOTAL: $3.28
Verdict: Obviously a success, but you also need to factor in the cost of what you will be dipping (such as tortilla chips, baby carrots, broccoli spears, pitas, or pretzels). The low cost of the dip, however, allows for the purchase of these things.
While you may pay a similar price for a jar of vegetable dip or hummus at the store, I encourage you to try this dip anyway. It has a different flavor and lots of protein. While hummus is pretty healthy, some other dips are loaded with calories and preservatives.