Artichoke White Bean Dip (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free)

Ever taste something, love it, and later discover that it contained an ingredient that you were pretty darn sure you didn’t like?

If you’re a parent, you may have intentionally done this to ‘sneak’ in a particular food with your kiddos. But, ever have the experience where it happens naturally?

Just serving the food and forgetting… if even for a rare but blissful moment… that one of your kiddos might reject it because it contains ____ or ____ or (go ahead, fill in the blanks)!

Yes, us mommas are well acquainted with picky eaters food preferences. With our own three girls, there are dozens of foods that one likes and the other does not.

Our list includes berries (my long-time readers already know this one!), olives, asparagus, mangoes, red peppers, and mushrooms for starters.

Sometimes the food preferences shift one year to the next. Unfortunately, artichokes have been on this list for some time.I love artichokes. So does hubby, and our eldest daughter. Our youngest is in a particularly picky stage (oh joy) and our 9 year old has never taken a liking to artichokes.

I don’t use them as often as I’d like in weekly meals for this reason, and yet every time I do use them I think “why am I not using artichokes more often, I love them?“!

But I know why, I don’t want to pick them out of servings or see them go to waste!

Surprise: Artichoke White Bean Dip

Well, when I created this Artichoke White Bean Dip for LTEV, a food miracle occurred. I first simply called it “hummus”, and put it on the table.

It’s busy enough with recipe testing and keeping up with this family’s appetite, that the details of food aren’t always important. Just need to get – it – on – the – table. And fast! This was one of those days.

As we were eating, our middle girl soon announced how much she looooved this new hummus.

Once I realized she was eating artichokes (!!!), I decided not to say anything immediately, but just make this artichoke white bean dip again another day.

So I did. So she ate it again and asked for it again. In fact, the whole family asked for it again, devouring it in a sitting (sigh, must remember to double-batch).

Afterward, I casually mentioned to her “oh, I forgot to tell you, that hummus had some artichokes in it… hey, you liked it anyway!” She shrugged her shoulders and said, “I guess so”.

That was that. No fuss, just a brief puzzled look on her face (and probably some suspicions that mommy pulled a fast one). But, all was fine – and she continues to eat the dip!

She still won’t eat artichokes whole or in noticeable pieces, but I guess the moral of this post is sometimes we just need to serve the food. Not have expectations for what they might like or not like.

They may not even notice the artichokes, olives, or berries. Scratch berries. One girl I know will always notice those! 🙄

I often say the same about vegan food in general. If it tastes fabulous and is satisfying, do we really care about what’s not in there? No, it just tastes wonderful!

Now, if you do love artichokes, you’ll really, really love this Artichoke White Bean Dip. Somewhat like hummus but with quite a twist.

It’s also a great nut-free alternative to my Creamy Artichoke Spinach Dip. It’s not a baked dip, but you could bake it. In fact I enjoy it a little warm. Maybe even top it off with a few olives for the fam! I kid.

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3 from 2 votes

Artichoke and White Bean Dip

Artichoke dip is always one of those more-ish kinds of dips, and I’ve made several recipes over the years. This one borrows creaminess from white beans, and a cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast. It is especially delicious gently warmed, and then slathered on pitas or other breads. Makes about 2 ½ cups.

Course Appetizer, dips

Servings 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups artichoke hearts I use frozen, blanched in boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, then drained, see note
• 1 14 oz can white beans (navy or cannellini) rinsed and drained (about 1 ¾ cups)
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 ½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 small-medium clove garlic
• 1-2 tbsp of water to thin if desired; OR can also sub 1/2 - 1 tbsp tahini and 1 tbsp water for a fuller flavor -- but don't overdo tahini flavor will be too pronounced in this dip)
• 2 tbsp freshly flat-leaf parsley chopped
• ½ tsp fresh rosemary minced (try not to omit, it adds a lovely subtle flavor)
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• After blanching/draining artichokes, trim any coarse pieces and combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Taste, and season to taste with extra lemon juice/salt, etc, as desired. Serve straight away, or transfer to an oven-proof dish and heat until just warm and a little golden on top!

Notes

Ingredients 411: Frozen artichokes have a much better flavor than canned, so opt for frozen if possible. Don’t use the artichokes that are jarred and marinated in an oil/vinegar liquid – their flavor is too strong, even if rinsed.

Serving Suggestions: Try using this dip as a layer in lasagna, or to stuff pasta shells.

Have you had a food experience like this? Have you tried this Artichoke White Bean Dip? Share your stories! 

Enjoy, and I’ll be back soon! x Dreena