I’ll be away for most of this week. We’ll be bike touring/camping on the San Juan Islands in Washington State which are pretty much just a Southern continuation of Canada’s Gulf Islands. It seems every 2 years we go on a bike trip, but I’m a bit nervous with this one. The main reason is that I’m so out of shape this summer, but I guess there is nothing like biking with all your camping gear, clothing and groceries strapped on your bike to kick-start your way to being active again! Also, ever since my nasty spill on Denman Island a two years ago, I’m pretty nervous biking downhill. I know, crazy, since downhill should be the funnest thing ever. Instead, I’d rather climb up a 13% grade hill than ride down it. Luckily, Cornelius will be switching out my old brake pads on my bike for new ones and installing my brand-spanking new tires, so I should be a bit more confident riding the hilly San Juan islands. Wish me luck!
In the meantime, why not snack on some delicious protein. This bean dip is very similar to one I’ve made before with cannellini beans, parlsey and oregano, but this time I’ve swapped in my favorite herb…rosemary. It’s a very flavourful dip filled with lemon, garlic and fresh rosemary and it’s a perfect no-cook lunch on those hot summer days. I’ve made this several times this summer and I’m not sick of it yet. Use it as a dip to eat with pita, chips or crackers or spread onto some bread and use it as a base for your favorite veggie sandwich. Enjoy!
cannellini bean dip with lemon & rosemary
1 can of cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
zest of 1 lemon
juice of 1/2 a lemon
2 cloves garlic, smashed
salt & pepper
2 sprigs of rosemary, leaves only (not stems)
1/4 c (or less) good olive oil
waterBlend everything using your blender, adding a bit of water in case things get too thick. Once it’s smooth as silk, it’s done. Taste and re-season if necessary.
Print This Recipe
Wow, sounds like you’re really on-the-go!! Fabulous!! Have fun :0)
Mmm, delicious dip!!
Good Luck! One of my favorite things about touring is eating after a long day of biking! Please share some of your touring recipes…it’s fun how the limitations make cooking a totally different adventure.
oooh! i have made a very similar dip recently. i like it with rice chips, but its great on sandwiches too.
i originally used this recipe but i also posted about it here
by the way i love your blog and your pics. very inspiring!
good luck! I know the hill on denman island you speak of…. I don’t think I could handle it going up, let alone going down! I am sure with the new brake pads you will have a safe and happy trip! Thanks for the dip recipe…i think I will take it up with me to Denman island when I go later this month ( no hills!)
have fun!
hey, I forgot… how did the cask even to go?
that would be …how did the cask event go?
I’ve been making a very similar dip recently and isn’t it beautiful with the rosemary and lemon. It’s my current favourite breakfast, on wholegrain toast with slices of cucumber and some leaves.
Great change from hummus! Yum
This dip will make a great spread on my veggie wrap sammys.
Enjoy your trip. Good idea with the new brake pads. Good luck, be safe.
Good luck with your trip. I don’t think I could even really ride a bike anymore, let alone go on a whole trip. I am liking the dip – keeping it simple is what the summer is all about.
I went bike touring on Salt Spring and Galiano Islands several years back. Leave the front panniers to your guy and you should be good to go on the downhill. Loading the front makes the bike more unstable. I never had any problems with the rear panniers. Happy journey.
mmmm, the bead dip sounds very yummy!
Good luck with your cycling trip. It’s sounds like quite a challenge especially loaded up with all that gear. Speaking of being out of shape, I get winded just riding a couple of blocks on an even road. I have enrolled in the aqua fitness program at my local Y, as a means of getting back in shape.
oops! I meant bean dip not “bead dip” LOL, although I do have a LOT of beads hanging around I don’t think they would taste very good!
Have a fabulous time in the San Juans!
Have fun on your bike trip! The dip looks yummy. It reminds me that I should make the Rebar white bean hummus recipe again.
mmm i love canellini beans (as my many makings of bean salad attest to). Will have to try this soon.
Ooh, have a lot of fun! I live in Washington State and I have never been to the San Juan Islands!! Hope you have / had fun! 🙂 The bean dip, by the way, looks gorgeous!
I’ll have to try this soon. I’ve never made a bean dip. I’ve got some fresh and dried beans and some fresh rosemary given to me by a gardener. I’m excited…a new snack to take to work!
I love simple dips. Rosemary is one of my favs too!
I’ll be following in your footsteps (tire tracks?) in September – I hope you do a post about your trip!
Get out of my head! I love cannelli bean dip!
thanks veggiegirl!
i'm totally with you, katastrophik! eating after a long ride is so needed.
thanks, hag. the trip was pleasant and i'm back safe & sound. as for the cask event, it was pretty fun…but there were too many fruity beers.
joey, mmm, i bet it would be awesome with rice chips and on sandwiches! yum.
kathryn, breakfast dip? i think i'll have to try that!
it sure is, beth…though i'm not sick of hummous yet!
thanks dawn! enjoy the dip in your wraps!
molly, my husband only uses front panniers when he tours. i use the back panniers only and never had any problems. my spill a couple years ago happened because of excess speed + gravel + sharp turn = ouch!
thanks helen! this dip is perfect for summer snacking!
aqua fit sounds fun, bijoux! our trip was a lot more leisurely than usual, but it was loads of fun!
thanks lynn!
thanks eatme! i've got to try that recipe soon!
definitely try it out, furlined. it's a keeper!
cakespy, i have to say the 2 islands i visited were a bit overrated! i love the gulf islands better.
nikki, give this a try. it's easy and quick…and so tasty!
maria, then i think you will love this dip. sooooo good.
mallow, i'll do a short post, but i do have to say that i prefer the gulf islands to the san juans!
me too, mary!
hey! thanks for sharing–i’ll have to try that recipe–it looks and sounds great. i love white bean dip, and make a garlic greek one flavored with oregano that is kind of like hummus. cannellis are awesome! hope your bike trip was fun.
I just tried this dip and it was really yummy. The lemon zest makes it very. . .fragrant. It has such a nice, sweet, delicate flavor that it almost tastes like a savory version of some kind of frosting. Which makes me wonder: could beans be a base for cake frosting?
julia, glad you loved the dip! and thanks for posting….your blog is awesome. i’d love to live in france!!