This Smokey Carrot and Butter Bean dip is a tantalising fusion of earthy flavours and creamy textures. The roasted carrots impart a vibrant smokiness, complemented by the richness of butterbeans. Blended to perfection, this dip achieves a harmonious balance, with the sweetness of the carrots harmonising with the nuttiness of the butterbeans. The subtle undertones of garlic and cumin add depth, while a dash of lemon juice brightens the ensemble with a refreshing zest. Whether enjoyed as a spread on crusty bread or as a dip for fresh vegetables, each bite offers a symphony of flavours that delight the palate and leave a lingering satisfaction.
What do butter beans taste like?
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, have a mild and buttery flavour with a slightly starchy texture. They’re often described as creamy and nutty, with a subtle sweetness. When cooked, butter beans absorb flavours well, making them versatile in various dishes like curries and dips. Their taste can be enhanced with seasonings and ingredients like garlic, herbs, or spices, allowing them to adapt to a wide range of culinary styles from soups and stews to salads and dips. Overall, butter beans provide a comforting and satisfying flavour profile that pairs well with many other ingredients.
What can you substitute butter beans for?
Butter beans can be substituted with various other beans depending on the recipe and desired outcome. Here are some common alternatives:
- Cannellini beans: These white Italian kidney beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavour, making them a suitable substitute for butter beans in soups, stews, salads, and dips.
- Great Northern beans: Another white bean variety, Great Northern beans have a mild flavour and creamy texture, making them a versatile substitute in dishes like casseroles, chilli, and bean salads.
- Navy beans: These small, oval-shaped beans are mild and slightly creamy, making them a good substitute for butter beans in soups, stews, and casseroles.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans): While chickpeas have a slightly different texture than butter beans, they can be used as a substitute in recipes like dips, salads, and curries, adding a nutty flavor and firm texture.
- Kidney beans: Although kidney beans have a firmer texture and stronger flavour compared to butter beans, they can be used as a substitute in hearty dishes like chili, stews, and bean-based casseroles.
When substituting beans, it’s essential to consider the flavour and texture of the original recipe and choose a bean variety that best complements the dish.
Smokey Carrot + Butter Bean Dip
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Perfect as a spread on crusty bread or as a dip for crisp vegetables, this Smokey Carrot and Butter Bean Dip tantalises the taste buds with each bite.
Ingredients
1 400g Butter beans
4 Carrots
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Liquid smoke
1 tsp Smoked paprika powder
1 Garlic bulb
1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 Lemon, juiced
1 tsp Tahini
1 tsp Cumin powder
1/4 cup Water
- Kale Pesto
1 Kale leaf
Handful Basil
1-2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Celtic salt
1 tbsp Nutritional yeast flakes
1 tbsp Pine nuts
Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees celsius, fan-forced. Peel and chop up your carrots. Cut garlic bulb in half. Drizzle in olive oil and salt and place onto a baking tray. Roast in oven for up to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place all other ingredients into a blender. Once carrots are cooked, place into blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy consistency is reached. Add more water if you’d like a runnier dip.
- Serve with crackers or toasted ciabatta bread.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 4
- Protein: 16.8g
