White Bean Garlic Spread

We went to Quartino last night for dinner (again!), and I got to have one of my favorite things on their menu - white bean garlic spread. It's a hummus-like spread they serve with little toasts, and we always polish it off very quickly. They serve theirs with freshly ground pepper on top, a sprig of rosemary, and a few slices of some kind of mildly spicy pepper. Sorry the picture is so dark.



I've tried to duplicate it and come pretty darn close in terms of flavor, but I can't seem to get it as smooth as theirs. I either need to try a different attachment in the food processor, or try using a blender instead...or maybe just add more olive oil. I also added rosemary to the spread, not just as garnish, because I like the flavor - but you don't have to. Even if it's not exactly the same as the restaurant version, it tastes great, plus it's really easy to make and a great addition to an hors d'oeuvres spread.



extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
salt and pepper
rosemary

Heat up a few tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet. Crush the garlic cloves and cook in the skillet until lightly browned. Put the beans into the food processor, and add the garlic and the oil from the skillet. Add salt and pepper, and a few rosemary leaves. Blend until smooth. Garnish with freshly ground pepper and rosemary.