The sultry flavors of garlic, basil and sundried tomatoes combine with white beans in this Sundried Tomato Spread recipe. Serve it with slices of crusty bread for slathering it on.
![Sundried Tomato Spread Recipe](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Sundried-Tomato-Spread-Recipe.jpg.webp)
Sundried tomatoes are one of my favorite ingredients. Ever since college, when I first started making versions of sundried tomato pasta, I have been a huge, huge fan. So, whenever I see an alluring package of little, flat dried tomatoes, I have to buy them and use them. They are good in everything from pesto to foccacia to meatballs … and many things in between.
This past weekend, some good friends visited from New York and I wanted to make a few dishes for them. But, the dishes needed to be mostly cook-ahead — I wanted to enjoy the company, not slave in the kitchen while they were there. On the menu was this spread: a high-flavor mix of white beans, sundried tomatoes, garlic and basil.
Not only is it really tasty, but it’s also a cinch to make.
![](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Making-Sundried-Tomato-Spread-Recipe.jpg.webp)
To make this, you start with some hot olive oil. Toss in some crushed garlic, chopped basil and chopped sundried tomatoes and let it simmer for a few minutes to bring out the flavor. I love the scent that is produced while the mixture is cooking. It’s positively intoxicating. Now, the sundried tomatoes I use are dry-packed. They’re simply my favorite — and I may or may not actually snack on them from time to time. Just sayin’.
Next, you toss the beans with the sundried tomato mixture — just enough to coat them. I use Great Northern beans in this recipe because I like the meaty taste of them. But if you prefer, you could use a different white bean.
![](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/making-Sundried-Tomato-Spread-Recipe-2.jpg.webp)
Finally, everything gets poured into a food processor. Oil, tomatoes, garlic – the works. You whirl it around a bit until the beans are totally pulverized and it’s got an even, thick texture. Remember, this is a spread so it’s supposed to be pretty thick.
Transfer it to a bowl and serve it up with some thin slices of French bread. If you want, you can put some pretty basil leaves on top and drizzle it with a little (very good) olive oil, just before serving. Make sure you have a knife or spreader handy so everyone can help themselves.
What do you like to make when guests visit? Share in the comments!
Sundried Tomato Spread Recipe
![Sundried Tomato Spread Recipe](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/4440877528_e673acee6f_o.jpg.webp)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, , crushed
- 2 tbsp chopped basil
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, , chopped
- 2 cans Great Northern beans, , drained and rinsed
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic, basil and sundried tomatoes and reduce heat to low. Simmer for five minutes.
- Add the beans and toss to coat. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a food processor.Pulse until well combined.
- Serve with thin slices of French bread.
Deen
Wednesday 12th of June 2013
This recipe looks great and is right up my alley! I love when delicious meets frugal! :)
Donna
Thursday 18th of March 2010
I have made sun-dried tomato spread with tofu before, but your use of white beans is genius! Will have to try this! .-= Donna´s last blog ..Sundae Bloody Sundae: Guinness Ice Cream with Bailey’s Sauce =-.
The Teacher Cooks
Thursday 18th of March 2010
I have never used sundried tomatoes before in a spread. Sounds delicious and easy. Just what you need when entertaining. I love my baked cheese and chipped beef dip. It is always a hit. .-= The Teacher Cooks´s last blog ..Roasted Vegetables =-.
Sarah Caron
Thursday 18th of March 2010
The Teacher Cooks -- What is baked cheese and chipped beef dip? I have to confess I have never heard of it (and totally can't picture it).
Sook -- They can be used so many ways ... I am making a favorite pasta with the remainder of them today.
Meghan -- Those cherry tomatoes sound awesome. YUM!
Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes
Wednesday 17th of March 2010
Sundried tomatoes are our family's favorite! I've never made a spread with them before but sounds delicious! .-= Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes´s last blog ..Lentil Soup =-.
Meghan
Wednesday 17th of March 2010
I love sun-dried tomatoes as well. This dip looks so delicious! Dips are one of my favorite foods, haha :)
When I have guests I like to make bacon-stuffed cherry tomato appetizers - always a hit! .-= Meghan´s last blog ..My First Giveaway! =-.