This easy Butter Bean Dip is a creamy, nutritious spread that makes a lovely hummus alternative. It’s made with canned butter beans (also called lima beans) instead of chickpeas for a smooth, mild-tasting dip that’s ready in minutes.
I created this quick recipe when I was craving hummus but didn’t have any chickpeas on hand. A tin of butter beans saved the day and produced a silky, satisfying dip that works as a sandwich spread, a dip for vegetables and crackers, or a simple side to grilled meat and roasted veg. The flavour is gentle and adaptable—bright lemon, a touch of tahini and garlic powder make it familiar and comforting.
Butter Bean Dip Ingredients
For a smooth, nourishing butter bean hummus, gather:
- 1 can (400g) butter beans, drained
- 2 tbsp tahini (sesame paste for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (light or extra virgin)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1–2 tbsp ice cold water to loosen
You’ll get the best result with a food processor or blender, but you can also make a slightly more textured version by mashing the drained beans with a potato masher and stirring in the other ingredients until combined.
How To Make Butter Bean Dip
1. Add the butter beans and tahini to the food processor
Place the drained butter beans and tahini into the bowl of your processor. The tahini contributes a nutty, creamy base similar to traditional hummus.
2. Pour in the olive oil
I use light olive oil for a milder taste, but extra virgin olive oil is fine if you prefer a more pronounced olive flavour.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice
Add freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness. Catch any seeds in your hand or a small strainer before adding the juice to the mix.
4. Add salt and garlic
Season with salt and garlic powder. Taste and adjust later—a little extra lemon or salt can really lift the dip.
5. Blend until smooth
Secure the lid and blend on high until the mixture becomes smooth. Stop to scrape the bowl down a couple of times with a spatula to ensure an even texture.
6. Add ice-cold water to loosen
Add 1–2 tablespoons of very cold water and blend again. Cold water helps the dip become lighter and silkier. Continue adding small amounts until you reach a glossy, creamy consistency.
7. Serve and finish
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, smooth the surface with the back of a spoon, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a scattering of poppy seeds for a pretty finish.
Serve with raw vegetables, warm baguette slices, crackers, or use as a spread in sandwiches and wraps. This dip stores well in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days; stir before serving and add a splash of water if it has thickened.
Recipe Details
This butter bean hummus is a quick, creamy alternative to traditional chickpea hummus—simple to make and versatile to serve.
Side Dish
Moroccan
butter bean dip, butter bean hummus, lima beans
- 400g can butter beans – drained.
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon – juice only
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp water – ice cold preferred
- Begin by adding drained butter beans to a food processor. Spoon in tahini, olive oil and lemon juice. Add salt and garlic, then blend until mostly smooth.
- Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add 1–2 tablespoons of ice-cold water. Replace the lid and blend again for one minute.
- Check texture. If the dip is still thick, add another small splash of water and blend until glossy and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, lemon juice or garlic to suit your preference. Re-blend if necessary.
- Scrape the dip into a serving bowl, smooth the surface with a spoon and drizzle with a little olive oil if liked.
- Top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of poppy seeds, then serve with crudités, bread or crackers.
This butter bean dip is ideal for meal prep: make a batch to enjoy across several lunches, pack it as a snack for trips, or serve it as part of a mezze-style spread. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it—share a photo and tag @hedgecomber on your preferred social channel.
