Smoky Eggplant and White Bean Dip

Smoky Eggplant and White Bean Dip

Mia

This Smoky Eggplant and White Bean Dip is a delightful fusion that brings together the best elements of classic Mediterranean spreads. By charring eggplant until its flesh becomes impossibly tender and smoky, then blending it with creamy cannellini beans, we create a dip that's richer and more substantial than traditional baba ganoush, yet lighter and more complex than standard hummus. The addition of roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow depth, while smoked paprika amplifies the natural smokiness from the charred eggplant skin.

This protein-packed dip is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, combining fiber-rich legumes with nutrient-dense vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil. The cannellini beans provide a silky texture and boost of plant-based protein, making this snack satisfying enough to keep you energized between meals. Fresh lemon juice brightens the earthy flavors, while tahini adds a subtle nuttiness that ties everything together.

Perfect for entertaining or meal prep, this dip keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days and actually improves as the flavors meld. Serve it with a colorful array of crisp vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots, alongside toasted whole grain pita wedges for a complete snacking experience. The contrast of cool, creamy dip against crunchy vegetables creates a textural symphony that's both healthy and utterly addictive.

Whether you're looking for a nutritious afternoon snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a wholesome addition to your mezze spread, this smoky eggplant and white bean dip delivers on all fronts. It's proof that Mediterranean-inspired eating can be both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully good for you.

Nutrition

55 minutes
None servings
165 calories
Fat 7.50g
Carbs 20.00g
Protein 6.00g

Ingredients

2 wholelarge eggplants, pricked with a fork
1 wholegarlic head, top cut off to expose cloves
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
15 ozcannellini beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
2 tbsptahini, well-stirred
3 tbspfresh lemon juice, from about 1 lemon
1 tspsmoked paprika
1/2 tspground cumin
3/4 tspkosher salt, or to taste
1/4 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbspwater, or as needed for consistency
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)
4 pieceswhole grain pita bread, cut into wedges
4 cupsassorted vegetables, cut into sticks (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery)

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Baking sheet
Oven
measuring spoons
measuring cups
fork
aluminum foil
knife
colander
food processor or high-powered blender
serving bowl
parchment paper or aluminum foil

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense dip is ideal for 16:8 intermittent fasting eating windows, providing sustained energy from protein-rich beans, healthy fats from olive oil and tahini, and fiber from vegetables and whole grains. The balanced macronutrients help maintain satiety and stable blood sugar throughout the fasting period.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including eggplant, beans, vegetables, whole grain pita, olive oil, and tahini. The focus on fiber-rich legumes, anti-inflammatory vegetables, and healthy fats makes this a solidly nutritious choice.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, garlic, legumes, and anti-inflammatory spices like cumin and smoked paprika. The eggplant and fresh vegetables provide antioxidants and phytonutrients, while avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory fats.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh eggplant, canned beans (no additives), tahini, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and whole grain pita. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined sugars.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns perfectly with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while being naturally low in sodium. The cannellini beans provide potassium and fiber, the whole grain pita offers complex carbohydrates, and the dish uses herbs and spices for flavor instead of excessive salt, supporting heart health and blood pressure management.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe supports blood sugar management with low-glycemic ingredients including fiber-rich cannellini beans, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grain pita in controlled portions. The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps slow glucose absorption and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating with its plant-forward approach, featuring cannellini beans as the primary protein source alongside vegetables and whole grains. The dish is entirely plant-based while being satisfying and nutrient-dense, making it perfect for those emphasizing plants while maintaining dietary flexibility.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served with gluten-free pita or vegetables alone. The main ingredients—eggplant, cannellini beans, tahini, olive oil, and fresh vegetables—contain no gluten, making it safe for those avoiding wheat, barley, and rye (simply substitute gluten-free pita or omit bread entirely).

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy recipe features extra virgin olive oil, fiber-rich legumes, and abundant vegetables while containing no saturated fats, trans fats, or cholesterol. The cannellini beans provide soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol, while the olive oil and tahini offer heart-protective monounsaturated fats.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-fiber diets, with cannellini beans providing substantial fiber (approximately 6-8g per serving from beans alone), plus additional fiber from eggplant, whole grain pita, and assorted vegetables. The combination of legumes, vegetables, and whole grains creates a fiber-rich option that supports digestive health.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense dip is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing sustained energy from protein-rich cannellini beans, healthy fats from olive oil and tahini, and fiber-rich vegetables. The combination of complex carbohydrates and plant-based protein helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and provides lasting satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating by offering a satisfying, nourishing option that honors both taste and nutrition without restriction or guilt. The combination of creamy texture, smoky flavors, and varied textures from vegetables and pita provides pleasure and satisfaction while naturally incorporating fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while using healthy fats from olive oil in moderation. The fiber-rich beans and vegetables, combined with whole grain pita, create a nutrient-dense, satisfying option that supports sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil, legumes (cannellini beans), vegetables (eggplant), whole grains (whole grain pita), tahini, and fresh herbs. It emphasizes plant-based proteins, heart-healthy fats, and abundant vegetables while avoiding processed ingredients and red meat, perfectly aligning with Mediterranean dietary principles.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet staples including beans (cannellini), vegetables (eggplant and assorted raw vegetables), whole grains (whole grain pita), olive oil as the primary fat, and nuts from tahini. These ingredients provide antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients that support cognitive function while avoiding butter, cheese, and fried foods.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is perfect for mindful eating with its variety of textures (creamy dip, crunchy vegetables), complex smoky flavors, and colorful presentation that engages multiple senses. The whole, minimally processed ingredients encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of each component.

Plant-Based Diet

This completely plant-based recipe features protein-rich cannellini beans, nutrient-dense eggplant, tahini, and whole grains, with no animal products whatsoever. It provides excellent plant-based protein, healthy fats from olive oil and tahini, and abundant vegetables, making it a perfect example of satisfying, whole-food plant-based eating.

Vegan Diet

This recipe is entirely vegan, containing no animal products or by-products. It combines protein-rich cannellini beans, tahini for healthy fats and calcium, roasted eggplant for depth of flavor, and whole grain pita, creating a nutritionally complete and satisfying plant-based dish.

Vegetarian Diet

This vegetarian-friendly dip provides plant-based protein from cannellini beans and tahini, with no meat, poultry, or fish. The combination of legumes, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats creates a nutritionally balanced and satisfying vegetarian option.

Weight Watchers

This dip follows Weight Watchers principles with its emphasis on plant-based protein from cannellini beans, nutrient-dense vegetables, and minimal added fats. The recipe prioritizes whole foods like eggplant and whole grain pita while providing a satisfying, fiber-rich snack that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5 min
2

Pierce each eggplant several times with a fork to prevent bursting. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

1 min
3

Cut the top quarter off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.

1 min
4

Place the wrapped garlic on the baking sheet with the eggplants. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until the eggplants are completely collapsed and the skin is charred, and the garlic is soft and golden.

40 min
5

Remove from the oven and let the eggplants cool for 10 minutes until safe to handle. Allow the garlic to cool as well.

10 min
6

Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out all the soft flesh into a colander set over a bowl. Let drain for 5 minutes to remove excess liquid. Discard the skins.

6 min
7

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a food processor. You should have about 8-10 soft, caramelized cloves.

1 min
8

Add the drained eggplant flesh, cannellini beans, tahini, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the food processor with the roasted garlic.

1 min
9

Process for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. With the processor running, drizzle in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until fully incorporated.

2 min
10

Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. The dip should be smooth and spreadable but not runny.

1 min
11

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lemon juice, or smoked paprika as needed.

12

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Create a shallow well in the center and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with additional smoked paprika and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

1 min
13

Toast the pita wedges in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.

7 min
14

Arrange the toasted pita wedges and fresh vegetable crudités around the dip and serve immediately. Store any leftover dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

2 min

Frequently Asked Questions