White Bean and Basil Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and liquid reserved
• salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sink basil into olive oil and muddle a bit to release the oil from the basil into the oil. Heat oil with basil in microwave for about 45 seconds to mix the flavors. Remove and set aside basil from the oil.
2. Heat the basil-infused oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until very soft, but not brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the beans and 1/4 cup reserved liquid from the can and season well with salt and pepper. Add a few chopped pieces of the basil used to infused the oil. Raise heat to medium-high and continue cooking until beans begin to break down, about 5 minutes.
4. Cool slightly and transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree, drizzling in more reserved liquid or a bit of water, if needed, until it is the consistency of thick hummus.
5. Serve with celery, pita, bagel chips or falafel chips.

Credit for original: Claire Robinson, Food Network