Family kitchen · Small bites

Creamy white bean dip

A little pot of possibilities: spread on bread, serve with potatoes or scoop up with soft vegetables.

Hands-on: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Base recipe: 4 servings

Let’s cook ↓

Protein · Iron · Fibre

Why it works for children & what’s in it ↓

Times are estimates for the base recipe. Larger quantities may take longer.

Step by step

Here’s how.

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Keep it simple today.

Rinse the tinned beans, then blend everything. Parsley is optional. Add soft bread and soft cooked vegetables for an easy supper.

What you can prepare ahead

Blend the dip the day before, cover and refrigerate immediately at 5 °C or below. Use the next day and bring it out just before eating.

Got interrupted? Tick off each step as you finish, so you can find your place again here.

Step 1: Drain the beans in a sieve, rinse under running water and drain again. Wash and finely chop the parsley.
Step 2: Blend the beans, olive oil, lemon juice and water until smooth, or mash thoroughly with a fork.
Step 3: Stir in the parsley. Add a little more water if you prefer a softer texture. Serve on bread or as a side; keep chilled until needed.

If there is room for it today

Helping is lovely. Watching is fine too.

Your child can mash the soft beans with a fork and choose a little bowl for the dip.

It does not have to be a family cooking project. It is fine to do it yourself today.

Good things for your family table

Why it works for children.

Smooth and mild: an easy way to explore beans without firm skins or lumps. Your child can spread it or dip soft cooked vegetables into it.

The nutrients in these ingredients.

Protein: Here, from: White beans
A building block children need for growth and for making body tissues.
About this nutrient ↗
Iron: Here, from: White beans
The body needs iron to carry oxygen in the blood.
About this nutrient ↗
Fibre: Here, from: White beans
Parts of plant foods that help keep digestion working normally.
About this nutrient ↗

These notes refer to the ingredients in the base recipe. The amount on the plate depends on preparation, portion size and swaps. Variety across the week makes the difference.

Make it yours.

Leave out the parsley for a milder flavour. Pair with bread and soft vegetables for a small meal; the serving quantities here are for the dip alone.

Feeling a little unsure?

Put a little dip next to familiar bread. Your child can look, smell and decide for themselves.

Keeping leftovers

Refrigerate straight away in a clean sealed container and eat within 2 days. Use a clean spoon to serve.

For younger eaters

Designed for family meals from age 3, not as a weaning recipe. Always adapt shape and texture to your child’s abilities. Cook hard pieces until soft or grate finely; cut up small round foods. Stay with your child while they eat. For known allergies, check ingredients and substitutions individually.

Our approach & sources

These recipes are ideas for family life with children aged 3 and up. Quantities are a guide, not a target to finish. Age, appetite and individual needs vary. Variety across the week matters; no single recipe covers every nutritional need.

Our general guidance draws on the recommendations below. These organisations have not reviewed or endorsed the individual recipes. Recipe development and editing: Pureli. Images are AI-generated serving suggestions.

Here’s how.

Helping is lovely. Watching is fine too.

Why it works for children.

The nutrients in these ingredients.

Make it yours.

Feeling a little unsure?

Someone else might love this too.

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