Roasted Fennel White Bean Dip

I’ve become a fennel fanatic lately. I had my nose glued to a star anise candle today. My sister gave me that “you’ve lost it” look that sisters can give. I came across this recipe for a fennel and radish salad that I have to make IMMEDIATELY [which really means on April 16th because we all know I’m only eating catered meals at the office until then]. Fennel is just so dang refreshing.

Mixing fennel and white beans in dip form [because what other form is there…] makes a great hummus alternative. Adding a boatload of parmesan and roasted garlic really tie everything together. Roasting fennel mellows out that bright anise flavor and sweetens it up. No one knows it’s in there really, so if you’re a fennel hater we can’t be friends you’ll be just fine. It blends into your white bean base that really just is your creaminess. White beans take on whatever flavor you want it to. My favorite part might have been the crispy parmesan pieces that baked to the dish. I’m one of those people. Plain ol’ pita chips work like a champ here or crudite or a spoon. You get the idea. This is definitely my new go-to dip assuming I have time to roast the fennel.

Inspiration: Sprouted Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1 large fennel bulb, save the fronds for garnish
• 4 cloves of garlic still in their skin
• 2 cups white beans [or one can]
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan, plus more for topping
• olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons rosemary
• red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment, foil, or a Silpat. Roughly dice the fennel bulb from the white to the light pale green. Keep the fronds for garnish. Toss the fennel and the garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and spread out on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 3o minutes. The fennel will be crisp on the edges.

In the bowl of a food processor, add the white beans, shredded parmesan, the fennel, and the garlic cloves with the skin removed. Pulse to get the mixture started before adding the lemon juice, rosemary, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup of olive oil. Pulse it all together until it’s a thick puree. Add more olive oil if for consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into a oven proof dish. Top with more parmesan and bake for 15-20 minutes with the oven temperature increased to 450°. The cheese will be hot and bubbly, browning on the edges. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and the fennel fronds before serving.