One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
~ Henry Miller
Hello bloggers!
I am rather excited to report that I made it through another few days of (fun) work travel and am home safe and sound!
It has been a busy little spring here (for me and my little trips) and I am quite content to put my feet up for the next little while and rest until the ‘big trip’ comes around in August.
I wish I could report that the weather was swell here at home, but the truth is it is just so-so (it’s sunny out as I write though!).
So while I pine for (just a little) sun, I’ll share with you this yummy dip that we’ve been enjoying, most recently on our Mother’s Day picnic (yes…a sunny warm meal outdoors!) *sigh*…
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
~ Marthe Troly-Curtin
As you all may know, I enjoy finding many a use for green veggies like kale, and this dip offers another chance to use up this powerfully nutritious green.
Along with fresh herbs, the easy to use and ever tasty artichokes, and (always) good quality olive oil, lemon, garlic, and (just a little) of your love – this 100% vegan dip is an elegantly pleasant surprise!
So if you’ve got a bag of dried white kidneys, or a can or two hanging around the pantry, this is a fabulous way to enjoy their creamy texture and taste that serves as a base for many a lively addition.
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
~ Dalai Lama XIV
The Less:
Less dairy-based dips means more plant-based clean eating. Less store bought or prepared foods means more fresh easy ingredients. Fewer ruts in your repertoire means things will always stay fresh, and what’s better than freshness in life?
The More:
More high fiber bean dishes means more tasty ways to fill up faster. More fresh greens to incorporate means more reasons to always stock them. More fresh dips on hand means less tempting for calories elsewhere, so you can enjoy more of the good stuff, more often.
White Kidney Bean Dip with Herbs & Artichokes:
- (3) cups cooked white kidney beans (navy beans will do in a pinch)
- (1/2) cup cashews, soaked in water for 4 hours (you can also use them straight up)
- (1) can artichokes (398 ml, about 5 each)
- (1) cup chopped green curly kale
- (1/2) cup fresh lemon juice
- (1/2) cup good quality olive oil
- (2-3) cloves of fresh garlic, peeled & roughly chopped
- (3) heaping teaspoons capers
- (1) tbsp fresh rosemary leaves removes from the stem & chopped (about 2-3 stems)
- (2) tbsp fresh thyme leaves, removed from the stem
- (1) tsp salt (more to taste)
Combine all ingredients on a blender or food processor, and pulse blend until creamy and well combined. You can’t over blend this one so let is really go!
Once ready, transfer to a container or serving bowl and chill. This tangy dip will keep for a while in the fridge, at least a week, and goes well with all breads, crackers, and fresh crisp vegetables (it’s super delicious with crisp romaine leaves).
This recipe makes a generous portion, so if you aren’t feeding a large group, or don’t want to eat it all week, consider halving the recipe.
If you do make the whole thing – plan to eat this for a few days! The nice thing is there are so many ways…..and it is pretty yummy 
If you have trouble peeling garlic, here is a good little tip (I am sure many of you do this already):
Start with good garlic. But organic if you can and local garlic is even better. Separate the cloves you need from the bulb.
Using a sharp knife, place the side of the knife on top of the garlic clove you are about to peel. Using all of your weight, push down on the knife and the garlic and crush the clove with the side of the heavy knife blade.
The peel will slip right off! Voila!
Of course I served this a few times in the last while for guests, and on this gloriously sunny picnic.
It’s also superb on warm toast with tomato.
The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up.
~ Mark Twain
However you choose to enjoy it, I suspect this will be a hit!
Even the hubby liked it and kept going back for more. I didn’t tell him it was full of kale or capers..because there really was no need
Where there is love there is life.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
I hope you enjoy this one as much as we did!
- What is your favorite summer dip?
- Do you ever use white kidney beans?
Next up, I’ll share with you all (as promised!) the progress we’ve made on our plans for NSF…we are working on a menu for a special event coming up and getting ready to roll out our new look!
Carla and Chris started something special with their 40 day fast, and I am grateful for their efforts and contribution – I hope you will be as pleased to meet them as I am to know them.
Have a fabulous week my friends – I am wondering if anyone got inspired to purge their closet from the last post? I loved all of your comments…and am so glad to hear I am not the only one out there who is benefiting from letting go!
We would love to hear from you, and hope you are all having a swell week, wherever you are, and no matter the weather
Yours in Less,
Shira – feeling (just a little) ignorant… Are white kidney beans what I would call cannellini beans? If so, they are my all-time favourite pulse. I love them mashed with EVOO, garlic and S&P. Yum.
Loving the sound of this dip – I shall be trying this one, for sure (despite the fact that its so cold here!)
Welcome home & have a super weekend.
Oh J – how is it we share so many commonalities? These beans are one of my faves too
YES – I should have also referred to them as Cannellinis as we North Americans named them (I guess) for their shape! I should have referred to them that way in the post and unless someone can correct me, I think they are the same thing?
I think you’ll like this one!!
Thanks and enjoy the holiday ‘down under’ this weekend!
I ALWAYS like your recipes. I was out with a girlfriend last night. I had given her a jar of your fab’ kale pesto weeks ago and she was telling me how much she loved it – on toast, on poached eggs, in pasta. She RAVED! You have gone global, girl!
Sweet! J – to date I think that is one of my faves too!
I am so glad it is loved!
That is helpful! I was reading through this post thinking I have never seen white kidney beans in the store! But I have seen Cannellinis everywhere (of course)!
Gorgeous dip! I love you being all sneaky and not telling the husband about the kale and capers (exactly how I operate in my kitchen!)
xoxo
Thanks Somer! I am so sneaky….but it doesn’t always work now does it?! But I will never give up! I even got him eating tempeh….but that’s another post!
I should have referred to them as cannellinis! That was a fail…glad we got it sorted out as I tried them with the little navy beans too and it worked!
No worries, all sorted out now! I have the navy beans in my pantry and the kale in the fridge so we shall soon be dipping away, eating it on veg burgers and more!
Now the Tempeh, that, my dear is clever! Can you imagine how hard it was to get my husband to go vegan, now this is a man who doesn’t even really like veggies!?! Sneakiness saves me! tsk tsk
In so many ways sneaky pays! Tempeh crumbled with corn, onions, and stuff into tacos with salsa and (for him) sour cream! I admire you so for getting your husband on the program!
Drooling! That sounds so good! Would you believe I have been vegan for 6 months now and have never had tempeh yet? I keep seeing it in the store, but usually opt for beans or homemade seitan instead. Seriously going to vegan purgatory!
I couldn’t do it without my husband on board. I can’t imagine preparing double meals all the time. HE IS super supportive so I’m just lucky!
Hey Shira! Gosh, that dip sounds delicious — and looks absolutely outrageous on that toast! it’s making my mouth water! I love the quote about cheering some one else up. Growing up, if I was ever having a bad day, my mom would always say, “do something nice for someone and you’ll feel better.” It’s so true! Giving is a surefire way to “get happy.” haha…thanks for sharing! have a fabulous weekend!
Thank you Caralyn! Your mother sounds like a seriously clever (and I imagine happy too if she follows her own advice!) woman..you are a very lucky girl! You have a fab weekend as well – thank you!
xox
Looks delicious! Will be trying this weekend
Thanks! Enjoy!
White kidney beans are my FAVORITE!! This dip looks unreal!! SO good.
Thanks Britt! Aren’t they dreamy?
I just wanted to tell you that all your posts are gorgeous (and a little intimidating)! I’ve added your FB page to my page’s favourites. Love your blog x
Wow – thank you, you just made me blush (just a little)! I am totally honored you added me to your favorites (thank you) – and I hope the food is not intimidating (I don’t mean any of it to be!)..xox
Made my night with this comment!
Oh no! The food and recipes aren’t intimidating at all, I think you have a gorgeous, earthy feel to your food. I mean – coming from another blogger – your consistent layout and clean look is super schmick!
Oh thanks!! That’s a relief (phew!) and a lovely compliment all at once! Your photos are pretty gorgeous yourself!! Have a super awesome weekend!!
Looks delish! The capers sound like the key. I don’t know about white kidney beans–I usually buy Great Northern or canellini beans, but those should work, right? I want that tomato-topped toast for breakfast!
Totally Emmy – either the Great Nortthern or Canellini would work..even the little white navy beans too!
The capers are (totally) the key..
This sounds delicious and so much healthier with the kale added. Not having bought canned artichokes before, i’m assuming that they’re water-packed. They, too, would add a nice dimension to this dip.
Yes John – and thanks! The water added artichokes are the ones I use..they do blend up perfectly and add such a nice texture, you are correct!
Wonderful recipe. I have another bean dip that is more plain. I enjoy spice foods and a mix of flavors. This is going into my recipe folder to try in a few weeks…I am in the middle of a 18 day juice fast…keep the recipes coming…Jim
Thanks Jim..and best of luck on completing your juice fast! I bet you are feeling fantastic!
I love dips! I can just have 5 in front of me with some bread/crackers and go crazy! No need for anything else! Sounds really delicious!
The only thing better than 1 dip is 5 to make a meal…I like your style Villy!
Thanks!
Looks Delicious, love all the photo’s and all your quotes.My favourite Mark Twains…have a great weekend at home! x
Thanks! I fully plan to kick back, I hope you enjoy your weekend too!
I want that toast like right now..yummmii. You photos are also amazing.:)
Thanks Bernadett!
Hope you have a super-duper weekend!
Thanks, hope the same for you too:)
This looks lovely. And I think I have all the bits…. if the kale in the garden is ready. Yum.
Jealous of your garden kale!
I bet it is gorgeous!
Oh man, I want some!! This looks tasty
I love doing fun stuff with white kidney beans.
Come on over! this recipe makes an awfully generous portion…
ha ha yay!!
No, I am totally going to make this soon for a picnic day!
I love kidney beans and I love kale — especially in soup. Great recipe. Cashews don’t like me anymore so I’m going to skip them as an ingredient. Got to find a substitute for the nuts as I’m assuming their inclusion ads a hearty nutty flavor to the dip. If anyone can think of anything to substitute the cashews with, please share:0)
You could easily just skip them or try either a hard cheese (like parm) or a seed (sunflower?) in place if you are not adverse or allergic to either of those? Otherwise totally safe to bypass the nuts! They add a little richness and creamy texture is all!
The picture of the dip smothered on toast topped with a slice of tomato has me drooling! Such a unique and good for you dip, I can see how this would be addicting – in a good way of course
I think it could be (just a little) addicting Heather! And in the very best possible way like you say
Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Friday!
Every time I make my way over here, my heart swells up with love. I so enjoy being here, Shira. You make me smile every time and those quotes always speak to my heart. Today, I am going to be repeating that Henry Miller one. Love it. And you too! xox
Cara – whenever you visit my day instantly gets better! You always know just what to say, I don’t know how you do it! Hope you are well and your heart stays full of love all the day (and weekend) long! Love you too! xox
I think there is just an unspoken loving bond between us that is bizarre since we have never met (which makes it ALL the more special!) I’m still saving my pennies for a trip out there (for reals!)…
I know!
You know what’s funny? JUST the other day my husband said he’d been craving a pleasure trip to LA…
For serious! Who knows? It could happen….until then keep inching those pennies my friend! xox
This looks sooo yummy! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks!
I hope you love it!
Let us know!
that looks delectable! I know it is
It’s not bad….
Great Recipe – looking for new ideas for lunches – will have to try this one out – thanks for sharing! Have a Wonderful Weekend:)
Thanks Renee! You too!
This looks great Shira! Do you even make anything not mouth-watering! Artichoke and capers are some of my favourite flavours out there and then you snuck the cake and white beans in there, genius! I’m going to bookmark this. Love that it’s vegan too!
Glad to hear you had a nice trip and got home safely! No matter how great the trip was, it’s always nice to be home isn’t it?
There’s really no place like home Gabby – though Ottawa is really just beautiful this time of year!
I hope you like the dip – it was a hit here!
It looks like so much work to make those cute little tiny open-faced sandwiches..
Sounds delicious though!
It isn’t I assure you Anastasia! They are too good not to make!
Shira, I love this post! The winning photo is the toast with the tomato on top! Also, my fave quote is the Twain one – it’s lovely. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks Marina! So happy you liked those shots with the tomatoes! You have a wonderful weekend too
Awhile back, I made a white bean and kale hummus, and it was tasty, but this sounds amazing! Mine was for sure missing the artichokes and capers! And those little toasts, with the tomatoes- I could seriously make that my lunch. And my dinner.
Thank you for sharing and welcome home!!!
Thanks Kristy! Going to look up your hummus! There are so many fantastic ways to make healthy dips..have a great weekend my friend!
Oh, I never posted it, so you won’t be able to find it. It’s a go-to for when I have some extra kale.
Have a great weekend, yourself! xo
cannelli beans always make me think of my nonna (grandmother in Italian) and her cooking- she would make a simple pasta dish with white kidney beans and olive oil. it was amazing. she actually did this incredible fava bean puree with pasta as well- I need to dig up her recipes stat! again, lovely post! xx
You should SO find that recipe – it sounds incredible! there is nothing like recipes from an Italian grandmother..lucky girl! Send it to me if you find it! I’ll try to do it justice….
This dip looks like a bit of effort with amazing results!
Delicious job my friend
Cheers
CCU
Thanks CCU! It looks like a few ingredients but it whips together quickly, and keeps a while!
A delicious, summery plate of good simple food – looks wonderful, Shira.
Thanks Annie – hope you are having a great weekend!
That’s a very delicious looking dip, Shira! How I wish I can have some right now!
Thank you Jasline!
Sounds like the perfect dip! I love artichokes, kale, beans and garlic – great and healthy dip!
Thanks for another wonderful recipe, great photos and fabulous quotes! Your blog is always such a treat to visit!!
Thank you Anne! I feel the same way about your blog…something about the West Coast air maybe? I adore your approach to food as well
I am one of those picky people who only likes garbanzo and pinto beans pureed (and I won’t eat pintos cold). I figure I get plenty of greens in my diet as it is. That said, I might take the cashews, artichokes and seasonings from this dip and do something with them — then I would have “less” than you and something more to my taste.
Brilliant AND clever! I love it!!
Definitely Evernoting this one! Need some nice alternatives to cheese, and this one looks divine!
I hope you like it Jennifer! Honestly when I invented it I wasn’t so sure….until the husband kept going back to the bowl
Our guests followed suit too…I hope it’s a hit, do let us know! You are right about the cheese alternatives, it is so nice to have a few tasty options up your sleeve 
For sure–I’ve been cheating a bit too much with cheese lately, and my stomach is punishing me. This is a wonderful reason to say “no” to cheese! Thank you!
Love avocados, they are food of Gods ¡¡
I think I mixed up recipes
sorry…
lots of inspiration in this dip of yours shira! and that open sandwich with salted, peppered tomato on bread schmeared with that pretty green dip oooo so good! (duly inspired, I’ll try adding kale to some of our favorite dips too! don’t you love being able to slip in some super-food or other without them suspecting a thing?!)
It’s a goodie Spree! Yes, aren’t we just the cleverest with our sneaky ways?
Yum Shira! As usual, this looks amazing. Thanks so much! I’ve got a white bean dip on it’s way to my blog too – I love that we are so similar!
Me too Becca! I’ll be checking that out!
Thanks!
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