Lemony Butter Bean Dip (Lima Bean Hummus)

Butter bean dip is a great alternative to the traditional chickpea-based hummus. Mixed with lemon, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil, it's a deliciously creamy appetiser or snack that's healthy, nutritious, vegan, and gluten-free.

Can you make hummus with butter beans?

Although traditionally based on chickpeas, hummus can technically be made with most bean varieties. Butter beans have a creamy texture that makes them ideal in a dip like this.

Are canned beans cooked?

Tinned or canned beans have already been pressure-cooked in advance and are good to go in any recipe that calls for them. The packaging will often carry cooking instructions, but this is simply to warm the beans through before eating.

Dried beans, on the other hand, need to be soaked and/or pre-cooked before using in a recipe like this. For more information, take a look at my beginner's guide to pulses.

What you'll need

This butter bean dip uses a short and simple list of ingredients:

• Butter beans for the base
• Lemon zest and juice for fragrance and zing
• Extra-virgin olive oil to add delicious flavour
• Garlic for its distinctive taste

How to make butter bean dip

Optional step: To mellow the flavour of the raw garlic, you can chop it and add to a bowl with the lemon juice for a few minutes (1). Otherwise, continue with the next steps.

To a food processor, add the drained butter beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper (2). Blend for a minute or two until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.

Add two tablespoons of cold water and blend again until light and fluffy (3). The cold water helps with this, so keep adding small amounts until you have the desired consistency.

Adjust the seasoning, adding extra salt, pepper, or lemon, and serve.

Serving suggestions

I like to keep it simple with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh herbs such as parsley or coriander. You could add other toppings such as toasted nuts, roasted seeds, or sprinkle with a little paprika, ground cumin, or sumac.

Next, choose your vessel for dipping or spreading:

• Carrot or celery sticks
• Flatbread
• Wraps
• Sandwiches (use it in these cucumber sandwiches)
• Crisps
• Tortilla chips

For an interesting twist, try using it in place of the hummus in this easy hummus pasta.

Variations and tips for butter bean dip

Using a food processor means it's easy to blend in any extra ingredients you like:

• Caramelised onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Roasted garlic
• Vegan pesto
• Other fresh herbs

Hey you – let me know what you think

If you made this recipe and enjoyed it – or did anything differently – I'd love to hear from you down below in the comments 👇

You can also find me and let me know on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook @thepeskyvegan 🌿

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More vegan recipe ideas

If you liked this recipe, you may also enjoy:

• Kidney Bean Dip (Mexican-Inspired)
• Smoky Butter Bean Soup
• Lemony Butter Bean Stew
• Smoky Mushroom & Red Lentil Pâté
• Easy Chickpea Hummus
• Crispy Baked Falafel
• Guacamole with Chunky Tomatoes
• Broad Bean & Mint Dip

You can also check out my full list of vegan dips and snacks.