Cannellini Bean Spread

From our Whole Foods Market. Cooking time does not reflect cooling time.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup  organic extra virgin olive oil
• 3  cloves garlic, crushed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2  cups  cooked white beans, with juice (Cannellini)
• 1  lemon, juice of, to taste
• 1  pinch cayenne
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
•  olive oil, for drizzling before serving
•  toasted  pita bread, for serving

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the crushed garlic and cook over low heat for 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, add the red pepper and let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes.
4. Remove the garlic from the oil and pile both garlic and white beans into food processor.
5. Process until smooth.
6. With the motor running, add the olive oil with the crushed red pepper, lemon juice and cayenne.
7. Pulse in the salt and pepper.
8. Pack into a crock and allow to sit at room temperature so that the flavors intensify.
9. Serve with pita toasts or toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic.