Spicy harissa white bean dip is the ten-minute appetizer with actual personality. Creamy Great Northern or cannellini beans get whipped with tahini and lemon, fired up with harissa, and showered in scallions. Scoop, repeat, repeat again.
Don’t be fooled by its simple, creamy appearance—this white bean dip packs a serious punch! We’re turning up the heat with fiery harissa, a North African chili paste that infuses every bite with a warm, spicy, and complex flavor. It’s the perfect, vibrant appetizer that comes together in under 10 minutes. Whether you like it mild or extra hot, this dip is easily customizable and guaranteed to be a new favorite.
Ingredients
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 16-ounce / 454g (16 oz) can Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml (1 fl oz) tahini
• 1 tablespoon / 15ml (0.5 fl oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
• 1½ teaspoons / 7.5ml (0.3 fl oz) harissa sauce, or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon / 15g (0.53 oz) finely minced scallions, for garnish
Instructions
1. In the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender, add the crushed garlic and pulse a few times to mince.
2. Add the drained and rinsed beans, tahini, lemon juice, harissa sauce, salt, and pepper to the processor.
3. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings. Add more lemon juice for brightness, harissa for heat, or salt to enhance the flavors.
5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with the finely minced scallions before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• Serving Size: ¼ cup
• Calories: 95 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Fiber: 3g
• (Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on used.)
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for the Best Bean Dip
• For an ultra-creamy texture, drizzle in a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or a splash of the reserved bean liquid (aquafaba) while blending.
• Make it ahead! The dip’s flavors intensify as it sits. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving for a more robust taste.
• Serve with warm pita bread, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a healthy, vibrant platter.
• Don’t be afraid to swap the beans. Cannellini beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas will work beautifully in this recipe.
FAQ
Q: Is this spicy white bean dip recipe vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and dairy-free. All ingredients, including the white beans, harissa, and tahini, are plant-based, making it a perfect appetizer for a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Q: Is this harissa bean dip a good source of plant-based protein
A: Absolutely. This dip is an excellent source of plant-based protein, primarily from the Great Northern or cannellini beans. Each serving provides approximately 4 grams (0.14 oz / 4 g) of protein, making it a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian snack.
Q: Can I make this white bean dip without tahini
A: Yes, you can. If you have a sesame allergy or don’t have tahini, you can still achieve a delicious, creamy texture. Simply blend in a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or a splash of the reserved bean liquid (aquafaba) until smooth.
Q: How should I store this vegetarian bean dip
A: This dip is perfect for making ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually deepen and become more robust after a day or two. Just give it a good stir before serving.
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Spicy Harissa White Bean Dip
Ingredients
Method
- In the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender, add the crushed garlic and pulse a few times to mince.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans, tahini, lemon juice, harissa sauce, salt, and pepper to the processor.
- Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings.
- Add more lemon juice for brightness, harissa for heat, or salt to enhance the flavors.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with the finely minced scallions before serving.
- Don't be afraid to swap the beans. Cannellini beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas will work beautifully in this recipe.
