Caramelized Onion and White Bean Dip with Rosemary
A smoky, deeply flavored dip made from slow-simmered onions and cannellini beans, perfect for vegetable sticks or crackers. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes blends yellow onions, cannellini beans, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups yellow onions
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice 3 cups yellow onions and cook in 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh rosemary to onions, stirring for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Drain and rinse 1 can cannellini beans, then add to onion mixture along with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
- Step 4: Use a potato masher to crush beans and onions into a thick, smooth dip, adding 2-3 tbsp water if too dry.
- Step 5: Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Onion and White Bean Dip with Rosemary take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Onion and White Bean Dip with Rosemary?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Onion and White Bean Dip with Rosemary?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Onion and White Bean Dip with Rosemary for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Caramelized Onion and White Bean Dip with Rosemary vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.