Warm Spinach & White Bean Dip

By brenie_shydee

Ingredients

• 5 ounces baby spinach (3 cups)
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the dip: Wash spinach, leaving some water clinging to the leaves. Transfer to a large saucepan. Cover, and steam spinach over medium heat, stirring once, until wilted, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove spinach using a slotted spoon, and let cool. Squeeze out excess liquid using a kitchen towel; coarsely chop.

2. Pulse ricotta and cannellini beans in a food processor until smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Add chives, lemon zest, and salt. Season with pepper. Stir in spinach. Transfer to a 1-quart baking dish.

3. Bake until bubbling, about 30 minutes. Season with pepper. Serve warm with crudites.