Name: Simple White Bean Dip Recipe (with Harissa)
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion; 3 garlic cloves; 3 teaspoons harissa powder; 1 15.5-ounce can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed; 4 tablespoons La Tourangelle olive oil (divided); Salt and pepper (to taste); OPTIONAL: red pepper flakes (olive oil, parsley to garnish with)

This bold and creamy Harissa White Bean Dip is made with only 5 pantry-staple ingredients. Packed with flavor, this dip is ready in 10 minutes and is perfect for entertaining or healthy snacking.

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Whether you’re serving it with warm pita, pita chips, crunchy vegetables, crackers, or spreading it on a sandwich, galette, or wrap, this simple white bean dip delivers delicious spicy flavor in every bite.

Why This Harissa White Bean Dip Recipe is a Hit

It’s ready in about 10 minutes,
It’s made with 5 main simple pantry ingredients,
Creamy yet totally dairy-free and vegan,
Perfect for meal prep and entertaining,
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Onion
I used a small yellow onion so the color of the harissa would show through. IFor a milder onion flavor, shallots can be used. If you have a red onion on hand, that can be used as well, though the color of the final dip would differ. I would not use onion powder instead of a fresh onion as this would change the texture and flavor of this dip.
Fresh garlic cloves
As with the onion, fresh garlic is the best option for this dish.
Harissa powder
I used this harissa blend. Harissa tends to differ greatly depending on the brand you get. The one I used isn’t too spicy. However, if you prefer a dip with even more heat, this Fiery Harissa could be used.
Canned Great Northern beans
I used canned beans as this just made the whole process a lot quicker. Canned chickpeas or cannellini beans can also be used if you prefer.
Olive oil
La Tourangelle’s extra virgin olive oil added the perfect amount of bold flavor to this dish.
Salt and pepper
Season this dish with as much salt and black pepper or white pepper to suit your preferences.

Optional Garnishes

Extra olive oil
Chili flakes
Fresh or dried parsley

How to Make This Harissa White Bean Dip

Step 1: Prep

Peel and chop the onion and garlic.
Drain the liquid out of the canned beans. Empty the beans into a colander and rinse them well under running water.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over a stove set to medium heat.

Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. This step adds so much flavor to this dip.

Step 2: Blend

Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to a food processor or blender. Also add the harissa, drained and rinsed beans, and the remaining olive oil and blend/process until smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water and blend again until you reach your desired texture.

Step 3: Serve

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with chili flakes and chopped parsley if desired.

This dip can be served immediately. It can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use. Just chill it in the refrigerator until it is needed. In fact, the flavors develop more when this hangs out in the fridge for a few hours.

Recipe Tips

Sautéing the onion and garlic creates a richer flavor than using them raw.
Adjust the amount (or brand) of harissa depending on your preferred spice level.
For extra brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice before blending.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy harissa bean dip pairs beautifully with:

Warm pitas or roti
Fresh chopped veggies
Crackers or pita chips
Falafel, veggie balls, or meat balls
Sandwiches, wraps, puffs, or galettes
Added to veggie bowls

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and add a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the texture.