Lima Bean Spread With Feta And Zaatar Recipes

LIMA BEAN SPREAD

Steps:

• Puree the lima beans in a food processor until smooth.
• Put the beans in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients.
• Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
• Spread on bread or crackers.

LIMA BEAN SPREAD WITH FETA AND ZA'ATAR

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring about 3 quarts water to a boil and add soaked, skinned beans. Reduce to a simmer and cook until beans are very soft, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, drizzle garlic with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until very tender, about 30 minutes.
• When beans are soft, reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain well. Using a food processor, blend beans just until coarsely mashed. Allow roasted garlic to cool until it can be handled, then squeeze garlic out of its skin into bean purée. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and cumin. Process just until blended, adding a bit of reserved cooking water if needed to make a rough, chunky purée.
• Transfer to a bowl. Add mint and feta, and stir to mix. Season with salt, as needed. Place in a serving dish, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with the za'atar. Serve with pita bread.

LIMA BEAN DIP

Steps:

• Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the lima beans and garlic and simmer until tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool slightly (the beans should be warm but not hot).
• Pulse the lima beans, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a food processor until just combined. With the motor running, pour in the olive oil and process until incorporated but still slightly chunky. Transfer to a bowl and top with the bacon. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita chips and/or vegetable sticks.
• Buy lima beans frozen: They're bright green and buttery tasting. The olive-colored, mushy lima beans you remember from childhood were probably canned.

BEAN, FETA & HERB DIP

Steps:

• Drain and rinse beans. Tip into a food processor with feta, lemon juice and garlic, and whizz until smooth. Add dill, mint or chives, and season with pepper.