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.
Artichoke and White Bean Dip
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
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
gerene hipke says
I heard you taking about the pickled onions. would you send me the recipe please. I didn’t get the directins down. thank you
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Dreena Burton says
Hi Gerene, sorry I don’t have a recipe for pickled onions.
Dorothy says
I made this yesterday and love it. I was looking for a low fat option for bread spreads, and this works perfectly. The artichoke flavor is mild (in my opinion!), yet adds great flavor. I have made your Creamy Artichoke Spinach many times over the years, and love that as well. Thanks for another great recipe!
Alice P says
I made this last week and it was really good,,,but it had ‘hairs’ in it from the Artichokes , I used frozen from Trader Joe’s. I balanced them for about 3 minuets.
So, had to toss it because no one i would eat it. Any suggestions ?
Dreena says
Hi Alice, that’s unfortunate. Perhaps trimming the artichokes or pureeing for longer? This isn’t a reflection of the recipe, however. Leaving a 1-star rating isn’t appropriate or fair.
Kate Minor says
This looks so good! I forgot how much I love using white beans for hummus-and I love artichokes. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Becky says
The “recipe page to print” does not work well. It printed 6 pages, only one of which had recipe information on it, and the recipe itself was truncated after the rosemary leaves. Lovely recipe, though…I can’t wait to try it!
Lesa says
Did you use the flakes or powder form of the nutritional yeast? I’m new to all of this! 🙂
Dreena says
I use the flakes, Lesa. 🙂
Maria says
can I leave out nutritional yeast?
Dreena says
Hi Marla, there’s a fairly significant amount used here, so removing it affects the overall flavor. You can do so, but just keep that in mind and adjust seasonings to taste.
Corrin Radd says
We made this tonight and put it on sandwiches. It’s great.
Mrs. Jill Digwood says
I made this over the holidays and thought it was lovely. Will definitely be making it again, thanks
Dreena Burton says
wonderful to hear, thank you Jill!
Jennifer Seamans says
I’m wondering if you mean to blanch the artichoke hearts for 8-10 seconds. 8-10 minutes seems like it would destroy them.
Thanks!
Dreena says
I blanch them when frozen, so they need several minutes. It does soften them nicely, but you can blanch for less time (3-5 mins) if you prefer!
Marly says
This dip is so beautiful it looks like a work of art. I might hesitate to eat it. But then I’d get over all that and chow down!
Liz says
Oh em gee, thank goodness you’re back, Dreena! (I know you’ve been back for a month now, but I just found out now.) Somehow life just isn’t as full without a little Dreena. 🙂 And these are the kind of quick, simple easy recipes I NEED in the summer; I’m in the yard/garden ALL the time in the warmer months and have zero time OR interest to be in the kitchen. Food needs to be in my belly in less than 25 mins. 🙂 so an arsenal of recipes that whip up in no time is a MUST.
On another note, I’m so pleased the break brought you some much needed clarity, focus and serenity. I secretly hoped that you would return to the blog, though. 🙂 I just missed you SO much!
Jenny Glinka says
This looks delicious! Is the nutritional yeast necessary, or is there a substitute for it?
Dreena says
The nooch gives a certain cheesy flavor, and because there is a fairly significant amount in the dip I think the flavor may be a little flat without it. But, you can certainly try it without, and then try adding it after if you feel the flavor needs something. Another idea is to add more fresh herbs for flavor boost (extra rosemary but also fresh basil would be nice). Hope that helps!
Kathi Sandler says
Doesn’t matter what recipe of yours I use, it’s always amazing! I’m eating this dip with a spoon!
Kathi Sandler says
Doesn’t matter what recipe of yours I use, they’re ALL amazing! I’m eating this dip with a spoon! : )
Vicky says
Love the idea of putting this mixture in pasta shells or in a lasagna! Will definitely try that, sounds gorgeous! 🙂
Dreena says
Awesome! yes, makes for a very filling pasta dish too!
Gabriela says
Question!
Where do you buy frozen artichoke hearts? I didn’t know they existed! I love artichokes but I’m not crazy about the jars full of preservatives and oil.
Do let me know and I will definitely try this recipe.
Dreena says
I buy them at Trader Joe’s (over the border for us). But, I’ve heard that Costco is now selling jarred artichokes packed in water, couple of readers have mentioned.
Grace M says
Longo’s also has frozen artichokes ):
Jane says
Does anyone know if you can get frozen artichoke hearts in Australia? I only know of the (very expensive) ones in oil on the deli counter? I would love to make this!
And Dreena – my 13yo daughter wants to meet yr daughter who doesn’t like berries to quiz her because she is completely baffled by this aversion!!!! Every time i make the ‘blueberry free’ muffins (not) she exclaims ‘why doesn’t Dreena’s daughter like these!!!’
Dreena says
It baffles me too, Jane! Honestly, I have NO idea where/when/how the aversion started, but it was early on and hasn’t wavered. It think it’s a textural thing with the seeds. Tell your daughter I’d love it if she could convince her otherwise. 😉 Hopefully some readers will answer about artichokes in Australia!
Charlen says
Gotta chime in here. I am in my 60s and have NEVER liked berries! The phrase “berry sweet” has always baffled me because all I taste is super sour, seedy and mushy stuff. I do choke them down most mornings on my oatmeal because of their nutrient properties. Must be taste bud/genetic thing. Take beets,for example: some people react to the chemical properties tasting a strong “dirt” flavor. Others, like me, love them.
Dreena says
Charlen, my daughter will love to hear that. Someone’s on her berry-aversion team! 😉 I’m pretty sure she may never like them as well. (And, interestingly, I am not a huge fan of beets, they do taste a bit like dirt to me.) Thanks for chiming in!
Emma says
Great post Dreena! You are so right. I spend far too much time worrying when I’m serving something, “what if so and so doesn’t like this or that..?”. Sometimes we just need to let the food speak for itself!
And you know I LOVED this dip. I ate the whole batch all by myself 😉
Dreena says
Ahhhh, music to my ears miss Emma! Thanks for the beautiful photos. x